Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider and California Governor Gavin Newsom met today at the Munich Security Conference to spotlight the national and economic security risks of climate change and highlight how the transition to clean energy reduces risk while protecting communities and growing economies.
Both leaders emphasized that clean energy technologies and advancing a strong circular economy – which prioritizes reducing waste, recycling, and reusing materials – create new business opportunities while making our industries and entrepreneurs more competitive and resilient.
Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider: "Germany is the third largest economy in the world, California is the fourth largest. Our desire to move forward together therefore sends a strong signal in economic terms as well. Governor Newsom and I agree that green technologies and resilient ecosystems contribute significantly to the long-term security and stability of our societies. They also promote innovation, create sustainable jobs, and strengthen the competitiveness of our economies. At the same time, they reduce financial risks arising from climate damage, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation. I look forward to further engaging on these issues with Governor Newsom.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom: "Climate change is a direct threat to our security and our economy. California has proven you can cut pollution while growing jobs and prosperity. We've become the world's fourth-largest economy while slashing emissions and protecting our communities. I'm proud to partner with Minister Schneider to show the world that fighting climate change strengthens both our economy and our security."
The environmental crisis doesn’t stop at borders, and global cooperation must match the scale of the challenge. Extreme weather, rising seas, and resource shortages destabilize regions and threaten economic security. Germany and California – the world’s third- and fourth-largest economies, respectively, and ones that have experienced extreme weather events firsthand – are taking decisive action to advance close international cooperation and turn ambition into action.
The two leaders discussed deepening collaboration on green technologies, climate change mitigation and adaptation, nature-based solutions, and building up the health of our lands and oceans.
The global green economy is expected to reach around seven trillion USD in 2030, driving innovation, commercial opportunities, and creating high-quality jobs. Clean energy technologies are here to stay. Investments in decarbonization and resilience are not only climate-responsible but are good for business and economic growth.
Both leaders emphasized that protecting natural systems – lands, rivers, soils, and oceans – is crucial to security. Healthy ecosystems absorb and store CO2 and methane, regulate the water balance, mitigate the effects of droughts, floods, and heat waves, and support food production. Minister Schneider and Governor Newsom discussed working together to further protect and restore these systems as a form of forward-looking risk prevention that significantly reduces future costs and conflicts.