Policy-making environment

Since 2000, Germany has built upon what was an already ambitious environmental policy framework. There has also been a shift from sector-specific to more comprehensive, cross-cutting policies. This chapter reviews the main strategies and initiatives that were launched during the decade in the areas of sustainable development and environmental management, including on biodiversity, water, resource efficiency, energy and climate change. It examines Germany’s environmental governance, the mechanisms in place to improve horizontal and vertical co-ordination, and the instruments used to systematically evaluate the environmental impacts of economic and sectoral policies. Progress in promoting environmental democracy, through open access to information and improved public participation in decision making is also discussed.