German court rejects climate case against BMW, Mercedes

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🗞️ Driving the news: Germany's Federal Court of Justice dismissed an environmental case aiming to ban BMW and Mercedes-Benz from selling new combustion engine cars beyond 2030, siding with the automakers

🔭 The context: Environmental Action Germany (DUH) argued that continuing the sale of fossil fuel-powered cars would violate the rights of younger generations by consuming a disproportionate share of the nation's carbon budget
• This could lead to stricter emissions cuts
• However, the court ruled that such decisions should be made by lawmakers, not individual companies

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The case highlights the growing tension between environmental groups and the automotive industry, as countries, including Germany, seek to reduce emissions
• While the EU has set ambitious climate targets, the carmakers’ lobbying power has led to weakened proposals, which could delay the shift to electric vehicles

⏭️ What’s next: The ruling could push further action to be taken by lawmakers, with the possibility of the case being appealed
• Meanwhile, car manufacturers continue to invest in electric vehicle development to meet EU climate goals

💬 One quote: "The responsibility for climate protection legislation is a matter for policymakers," - presiding Judge Stephan Seiters

📈 One stat: Germany's carmakers, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, have invested billions in transitioning to electric vehicles in response to EU climate targets

See on illuminem's Data Hub™ the sustainability performance — carbon credit purchases, total emissions, and climate targets of thousands of companies

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