The next federal government should put a high priority on introducing a higher price on CO₂ across all economic sectors and a fundamental reform of energy-related taxes and levies in Germany, if climate targets are to be taken seriously, according to a position paper by a group of scientists, economists and civil society actors. “Germany’s complicated mix of instruments and decisions contradicts itself and does not suffice to reach our climate targets,” the paper says.

The group, which includes the heads of the German Energy Agency (dena) and think tank Agora Energiewende, proposes general reform guidelines, such as a fairer distribution of costs, to prevent carbon leakage, and to ensure reforms are compatible with EU regulations, according to Cleanenergywire.org.

The next coalition agreement should include a clear commitment to CO₂ pricing based on these guidelines, and necessary measures must be implemented from 2018/2019 on, so to ensure Germany reaches its 2030 and 2050 climate targets, the paper says.