»When, if not now?« A plea for the green economy
Germany, Europe and the world are at several critical junctures, characterized by social tensions, increasing radicalization and the spread of fake news, misrepresentations and half-truths. This is a sobering but accurate assessment – and it reveals the urgent need to decisively reject misinformation and populist narratives that shape debates in the media and public discussion or within political and administrative processes, thereby blocking progress. At the same time, the pressing climate and economic policy challenges make it clear that precisely such strategies must have the highest priority at national and European level. This is no time for further sitting out or falling back on outdated structures – it is an opportunity to actively shape a socially just society and a sustainable economy.
The mobility and energy transitions are not abstract visions, but key levers for meeting the challenges within the planetary boundaries. At the same time, they will secure prosperity, economic stability and jobs in the long term. However, this transformation requires more than just political discussions: It is not enough to merely express the will – what counts is the ability to follow up with action and make bold, transparent and implementable decisions in the process. Only by communicating in an understandable way, providing background information, explaining the necessities in a comprehensible manner and promoting participation can fears be allayed and support for these decisive steps be gained in order to translate them into fair and realistic political decisions.
Such a path requires a combination of a regulatory framework, targeted investment in the green economy, innovative technologies – which have long been available and must now be used more intensively – and a consistent bonus-malus system that runs in the background and consistently promotes sustainable action while rigorously overcoming fossil economic practices. This is the basis for a transformative implementation of the green economy, which will not only secure competitiveness in Germany and Europe, but also enable a leading economic role in the international context.
The necessary measures are obvious: accelerated further development of existing strategies and fundamental economic policy decisions that guarantee economic, social and ecological stability. The growing costs of climate damage will far outweigh investments in timely and intelligent measures – those who fail to act now are knowingly setting themselves up for failure and missing the opportunity to take responsibility. Fossil, environmentally harmful subsidies, which according to estimates by the UBA and IMF tie up between 65 and 70 billion euros annually in Germany alone, must be gradually abolished ad hoc. The funds that are freed up can be targeted towards more sensible projects that create sustainable prospects for the future. This is not only a political necessity, but also a social mandate: the transformation to a green economy does not mean restrictions, but opportunities – and not cuts, but new freedom. Today, tomorrow and for future generations.
There is no plan B for the planet – no reset button, no second or third attempt. But there is a Plan A that points the way to a sustainable future. This approach offers the opportunity to harmonize economic, societal, social, political and ecological perspectives and benefits and to actively tackle a possible pioneering role for Germany and Europe.
The members of the BEM and their innovative products and solutions have long been on this side of history. With their technologies, concepts and determination, they are actively shaping the mobility transition and making a decisive contribution to exploiting the opportunities of the green economy and laying the foundations for a sustainable future worth living. However, it is not just up to companies to manage this change. We need more visibility, clear positioning and a loud, convincing voice that carries these findings into the political and social debate. A voice that inspires voters to support courageous decisions. This is not a call for bold election campaign slogans, but for a policy that convinces through transparency, well-founded solutions and a clear vision of a future worth living. Procrastination is no longer an option. Yesterday’s solutions have failed – all that remains is a determined path to a sustainable future. When, if not now?
In this dynamic environment, the Bundesverband eMobilität remains a reliable partner that is actively committed to the mobility transition and strengthening the green economy. Together with our member companies, we are consistently working on solutions that are not only ecologically sustainable, but also economically viable. Especially now that political processes need to be accelerated and priorities reset, the voice of our industry is more in demand than ever. From special commissions, BEM working groups and parliamentary dialogues to targeted events and trade fairs, we offer platforms for exchange and networking in order to shape the future of mobility together. Together, let us further intensify the dialog with politicians, the media and society and tackle the challenges ahead with optimism and determination – the mobility turnaround is not a goal for tomorrow, but a task for today – for a future worth living.
