German Environment Minister Urges Faster Climate Action Before Antalya COP

At the UN climate conference in Bonn, German Environment Minister Carsten Schneider said the Paris Agreement remains the common benchmark despite geopolitical tensions, but that "now its implementation must become significantly faster." He called for ambitious national targets ahead of the November COP in Antalya, highlighting Turkey’s proposal to raise the share of electricity in final energy consumption to 35 % by 2035.

More than 6,500 delegates from governments, science, business and civil society attended. Environmental NGOs praised the Turkish signal but warned the pace was too slow, describing the talks as "trippelschritte" and a "structural paralysis." Greenpeace’s Jannes Stoppel said the negotiations needed "seven‑mile‑boots" rather than small steps. WWF and Oxfam also urged a rapid shift from coal, oil and gas to renewables. UN climate chief Simon Stiell acknowledged progress in some areas but noted delays and criticised "du‑zuerst‑Denken" among parties.

The conference underscored the link between climate action, economic strength, energy security and competitiveness, with delegations from the Global North and South stressing the need for concrete national measures.