Dual-Benefit Stimulus for Germany

The global economy faces what is likely the greatest crisis since the Great Depression. For the European Union, the coronavirus pandemic is the most momentous test in its 30-year history. As if that were not enough, the next crisis is already in the offing. The threat of global warming has not grown any smaller just because the world’s attention is focused on the coronavirus pandemic. 2020 is shaping up to be one of the world’s hottest years ever. We have neither the time nor the means to handle these crises in succession.

With Dual Benefit Stimulus for Germany we suggest a recovery programme that boosts economic growth and moves the economy towards climate neutrality, in line with the European Green Deal. The investments we make must address the needs of today while taking into account the long-term challenges of tomorrow. Accordingly, this paper identifies 50 measures that take aim at both objectives: investment that provides rapid economic stimulus during the crisis and puts Germany on the path to climate neutrality by 2050.