From carbon democracy to post-fossil capitalism? The German coal phase-out as a crossroads of sustainability politics. Issue 1 (9th December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Haas, Tobias; Herberg, Jeremias; Löw-Beer, David
• Is Part Of: Sustainability. Volume 18:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 384
• Page End: 399
• Publication Date: 2022-12-09
• Subjects: Capitalism -- coal phase-out -- decarbonization -- democracy -- Modell Deutschland; Sustainability -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; Natural resources -- Management -- Periodicals; Ecology; Environmental sciences; Natural resources -- Management; Sustainability; Periodicals; Periodicals; 338.927
• DOI: 10.1080/15487733.2022.2069542
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1548-7733

Abstract

Abstract: For a long time, Germany was regarded as a pioneer in climate policy. Recently, conflicts have intensified over the phase-out of coal from the energy sector. In 2020, the German Bundestag created the legal basis for a coal phase-out by 2038, subsequently revised to 2030 by the new coalition government of September 2021. This article analyzes the recent controversies from a political-economy perspective and shows the interrelationships and tensions between capitalism, democracy, and sustainability within Germany. In particular, the rise of right-wing populist attitudes opposing a coal phase-out, highlights the conflictual character and the social embeddedness of sustainability politics. The analysis of the conflicts surrounding the coal phase-out makes it possible to situate the future of energy supply in the overall societal context.