5. Perspectives on the Climate Debate and International Economic Aspects

The climate policy debate has thus far been too narrowly focused, with little or no consideration of broader challenging perspectives beyond the actual climate issues. The important longer-term additional aspects include, in particular, the growth of the world population. The development of the certificate price in the EU Emissions Trading system in nominal terms over time is presented, as is the relative CO₂ certificate price and the effects thereof; in addition, important perspectives on economic catching-up processes and the Chinese technological shock in the field of renewable energies are clarified. The focus is also on Fridays for Future and similar pressure groups and their impact on policymakers and international climate protection perspectives. International free-rider problems and the policy decisions in the US in recent years are also presented, as well as the approaches to the climate problem and the strategic starting points of an integrated, international climate policy. Finally, this chapter also deals with appropriate state support for innovations, whereby CO₂ reduction innovations are to be considered as particularly important.