Presented by ESMT Berlin
How can we move forward in our fight against climate change at a time when crucial countries and companies are revoking their commitments? Jennifer Morgan, State Secretary and Special Envoy for International Climate Action in the German Federal Foreign Office, shares what it takes to advance climate action in a fragmented world.
Interviewed by Klara Marie Schroeder
That is a very important question. Of course, we deeply regret that President Trump has once again submitted documents to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, and it is concerning to see some US companies follow suit.
However, it is crucial to put this into perspective. While this is undoubtedly a setback, it does not represent a complete reversal. The situation today is quite different from the past. We live in a world where the climate crisis is more visible than ever—the wildfires in California are just one example of the growing urgency. More and more people are directly experiencing the impacts of climate change and are recognizing its consequences.
At the same time, the green revolution is well underway. If we look at the markets, we see a clear shift: investments in renewables and green technologies are outpacing those in fossil fuels, with a $2 trillion green tech market continuing to expand. Countries recognize the economic opportunities tied to climate action and are integrating sustainability into their development strategies in ways we have not seen before.
Germany is eager to collaborate with the incoming US administration and with the many states still committed to implementing the Paris Agreement. Now, more than ever, Europe and the rest of the global community must work together to keep moving forward.
In Europe, we are seeing a positive shift as climate action becomes fully integrated into industrial policy. Climate goals and economic strategy are now being considered together, reflecting the understanding that keeping the 1.5 degree Celsius target within reach is essential for long-term competitiveness. At the same time, economic prosperity is crucial for ensuring that climate action remains sustainable and widely supported. This alignment presents significant opportunities for German and European businesses alike.
However, we must be mindful of two key risks. First, the social dimension must remain a priority. A strong industry is important, but we need to bring people along—particularly lower-income citizens—so that the transition is fair and inclusive. Second, we must not lose sight of international cooperation. This is not just about creating advanced lead markets in isolation; it is about working alongside other nations, each with their own interests and priorities.
Germany has made significant efforts in this regard, building over 40 climate and energy partnerships with countries like Kenya and Chile to create mutually beneficial solutions. This is especially important given the historical responsibility that developed nations bear in addressing climate change. Ultimately, we are working toward a new paradigm of cooperation, one that integrates industrial policy with global partnerships to drive sustainable progress.
That is a great question, and an important one, because the social dimension of climate action is often overlooked. The first priority is ensuring that marginalized communities have a seat at the table—that their concerns are represented when policies are being developed. This is not just about including them in discussions; it is about shaping policies that address critical issues like affordability and accessibility, making sure that the transition is fair and inclusive.
It is also essential to think beyond just workers and consider entire communities. Reskilling programs are crucial, but they are not always enough. In places like Germany’s Lausitz region, for example, the energy transition impacts entire towns and economies, requiring a broader approach to support regional transformation.
Additionally, we need to take resilience and adaptation seriously. Marginalized communities are often the most affected by climate change, yet they have the fewest resources to cope.
When it comes to engaging the public, there is an important point that is not widely recognized. Recent opinion polls on climate change, conducted out of curiosity since the topic has received less attention lately, reveal that it remains a key concern for most people in Germany. In fact, about three-quarters of the population support the need for climate action, and 53 percent expect stronger climate protection from the next government, according to a recent study by the Climate Alliance in Germany.
At the same time, it is understandable that people are overwhelmed by multiple crises—fears of poverty, inflation, and war are weighing heavily. In this context, it is the responsibility of governments to keep driving climate action forward in partnership with the private sector and society while also acknowledging these broader concerns.
A crucial part of this effort is better communication. People need to understand how climate change is exacerbating the very issues they worry about, such as rising food prices due to droughts. At the same time, the climate transition is creating significant opportunities. In Germany, for example, nearly 60 percent of the electricity grid now comes from renewables. Wind farms and turbines provide direct financial benefits to local communities, yet this is not widely known.
We need to do a better job of explaining how people can actively participate in the transition and benefit from it. Developing more inclusive profit-sharing models and making them more visible can help strengthen public support for the transformation.
I think this is a fundamental point, and it is not just about what we do – it is also about how we do it.
It is essential to have a dialogue with countries, allowing them to lead the process and shape their own vision and transition. They are best placed to determine how to approach this, where to focus their efforts, and how to ensure a just and equitable transition—both in terms of the process and the outcomes.
I was recently in South Africa, where a Just Energy Transition Partnership has been developed. This initiative, which we have been working on for a long time, originated from within South Africa. They have a multi-stakeholder Presidential Commission that collaborates with all sectors of society. It has also been a learning experience for G7 countries, improving coordination so that South Africa does not have to manage separate engagements with seven different nations. Instead, countries can work together strategically.
Germany has focused on priority areas such as just transition support and the grants required for it, but financial aid is not the only component. We have also worked closely on electricity market reform, drawing from our own experience in Germany. While the context in South Africa is different, the lessons learned have helped facilitate private renewable energy development. This has contributed to the deployment of approximately six gigawatts of solar capacity in 2023 and 2024, alongside investments in skills development.
Ultimately, it comes down to what each country needs. This year, all countries must renew their national climate plans—their nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement. This is a crucial opportunity for countries to outline their economic strategies and for us to collaborate on how to support these efforts. By mobilizing private sector finance, directing grant funding where necessary, utilizing guarantees, and leveraging national resources—particularly in larger developing countries—we can work together effectively.
Financing is crucial to this process. There is no silver bullet, but our focus at COP in Baku has been to adopt a more sophisticated approach, which Brazil advanced during its G20 presidency with a climate and finance task force that brought together finance and climate ministers. Different financial products and approaches are needed for various sectors. For example, in adaptation, both grants and strong policy frameworks, like building codes, are necessary. Germany has been focused on accelerating renewable energy, and initiatives like the African-led APRA are addressing high capital costs in Africa. We found that guarantees, underused as a tool, can help reduce these costs. So, we created the Green Guarantee Group to focus on lowering capital costs and boosting renewable energy investment. Other sectors will require different approaches, and we need to think holistically. The roadmap we agreed upon in Baku and Brazil's innovative forest financing approach are steps in this direction, but targeted, precise solutions are key.
My first job was with a city network, and it is often overlooked that the authority to implement policies related to local transportation or buildings typically lies at the city or state level. There is a tremendous amount of activity and leadership happening at the city level, and I don't expect that to change anytime soon.
Another area that is becoming increasingly important is resilience building. Heatwaves, for instance, can be especially dangerous for elderly people living in inefficient housing. In this space, there’s strong mayoral leadership, and while their status in the UN might differ, their impact is significant.
People often ask me what they can do about climate change, and my response is always to think about what they are passionate about and get involved. More often than not, this means engaging at the city level. If you want to bike to work safely, focus on that. If you are concerned about healthy food options for your kids, work on that. If you care about education, contribute to that. Cities are key to driving change.
There is strong evidence of the vulnerability of women and girls, especially in climate and security issues. For instance, when a woman or girl must travel long distances to fetch water in dangerous areas, the risks are significant.
Unfortunately, these situations are a reality. This is just one example of how women are disproportionately affected, which is why we have been champions of gender-sensitive climate finance, incorporating it into our work. It’s a crucial cross-cutting issue. We were glad to see the Gender Action Program come out of the last COP, focusing on solutions that address these vulnerabilities.
From a personal perspective, I find it inspiring to work with women at the political level. While it might be a generalization, I believe women are often excellent listeners, which helps us build coalitions and focus on achieving our goals. The Paris Agreement, for instance, wouldn’t have happened without tremendous female leadership from figures like Christiana Figueres and Laurence Tubiana.
Around the world, there are networks of women working together—often under the radar, since it is not about ego, but about getting things done. This collaborative spirit, combined with creative work on the ground in areas like finance and energy, is essential. For example, our Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue focuses on women champions in the energy field, and we need to continue strengthening these connections.
Jennifer Morgan is a world-leading expert on climate issues and civil society advocacy. She has served as State Secretary and Special Envoy for International Climate Action in the German Federal Foreign Office since 2022. Prior to that, Jennifer was the Executive Director of Greenpeace International. She was voted one of the world's top 20 most influential people in climate policy by apolitical.
