How Germany Became Europe's Green Leader: A Look at Four Decades of Sustainable Policymaking

Abstract

"Over the last 40 years, all levels of government in Germany have retooled policies to promote growth that is more environmentally sustainable. Germanys experiences can provide useful lessons for the United States (and other nations) as policymakers consider options for 'green' economic transformation. Our analysis focuses on four case studies from Germany in the areas of energy, urban infrastructure, and transportation. We show how political challenges to the implementation of green policies were overcome and how sustainability programs were made politically acceptable at the local, state, and federal levels of government. Within the three highlighted sectors, we identify potential opportunities and barriers to policy transfer from Germany to the United States, concluding with specific lessons for policy development and implementation."