Germany Talks Climate Summary

The 'Germany Talks Climate' project provides a toolkit for communicators in Germany, arguing that climate engagement is most effective when linked to the core beliefs and values of different societal groups rather than relying solely on facts. Research indicates that while Germans are generally concerned about the climate crisis and support political action, they prioritise affordability and social justice. The project also includes visual research suggesting that local imagery, such as flooding in Germany, is highly effective, while images of activists often trigger negative reactions.

• Public opinion on climate change in Germany is fragmented rather than polarised, and there is no evidence that policy debates have caused a societal split. However, distinct perspectives exist based on core beliefs and values.
• There is broad consensus across different societal segments that the climate crisis is real, human-caused, and already affecting Germany, requiring a global response. However, many people experience low self-efficacy or agency.
• Affordability and social justice are the primary concerns regarding climate policy across all segments, with a majority believing that those with higher incomes should contribute more to climate action.
• Effective climate communication in Germany should move beyond facts to address values and positive visions of the future, as a lack of success stories and collective action visibility contributes to feelings of helplessness and anger.
• Visual research indicates that images of flooding within Germany are powerful and resonate across society, while images of activists often produce mixed or negative reactions.
• Regarding imagery, depictions of a variety of renewable energy sources are more likely to appeal broadly when representing Germany's energy future, and images of families and children help people relate to climate impacts.

APA

Climate Outreach (2022). Germany Talks Climate Summary. https://climateoutreach.org/uebers-klima-reden/germany-talks-climate-summary/

Chicago

Climate Outreach. Germany Talks Climate Summary. 2022. https://climateoutreach.org/uebers-klima-reden/germany-talks-climate-summary/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Climate Outreach |title=Germany Talks Climate Summary |date=27 June 2022 |url=https://climateoutreach.org/uebers-klima-reden/germany-talks-climate-summary/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{climateoutreach2022germany, author = {{Climate Outreach}}, title = {{Germany Talks Climate Summary}}, institution = {Climate Outreach}, year = {2022}, month = jun, url = {https://climateoutreach.org/uebers-klima-reden/germany-talks-climate-summary/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }