Stiftung KlimaWirtschaft and Ströer with campaign for transformation and democracy

Over 50 German companies have made a joint appeal to policymakers on the initiative of Stiftung KlimaWirtschaft. Among them are Deutsche Telekom, Rossmann, dm, EnBW, e.on, IKEA, Hugo Boss, Otto Group, Miele, Puma, Salzgitter, Strabag, thyssenkrupp, vaude, Wacker, Ströer and many more. In the paper entitled “Transformation as the project of the century”, the companies pledge their commitment to Germany as a business location, to climate targets and to our democracy. At the same time, the appeal emphasises the fact that right-wing extremist forces threaten democracy and Germany’s economic performance.

The campaign for the joint appeal, initiated by Stiftung KlimaWirtschaft and given a wider reach by Ströer, was launched today. Ströer is running the campaign throughout Germany with a reach of 50 million contacts on its digital media carriers (Public Video) in public spaces. The aim of the campaign is to generate the greatest possible attention through the reach of the media in the public sphere and to enter into a genuine dialogue so as to achieve a broad alliance between civil society, business and politics.

The appeal initiated by Stiftung KlimaWirtschaft calls on the German government to convene a transformation commission. The economy needs competitive energy prices and a further development of the debt brake in addition to a fully digitalised administration. It also needs a transformation and energy consensus between all democratic parties, more public and private investment in climate neutrality and a socially responsible ramp-up of green markets.

“The sheer number and breadth of the companies involved – companies that are positioning themselves in favour of transformation and taking a clear stance against far-right slogans – is a clear signal of Germany’s willingness to reform and its optimism in these challenging times. Politicians must now present clear prospects for Germany as a climate-neutral location, organise state investments reliably and for the long term and guarantee planning security for infrastructure and energy prices. This way, we can create new growth prospects and help to keep far-right political fringes at bay. Germany has every opportunity to play a decisive role in the global transformation. We are facing major challenges. This makes it all the more important that we get everyone involved”, says Sabine Nallinger, Director of Stiftung KlimaWirtschaft.

“On the one hand, sustainability and the transformation towards climate neutrality must be integrated as a strategic pillar within each company. On the other hand, we need a clear political framework – across party lines. I am convinced that sustainability, business success and social prosperity are mutually dependent. The German economy can and must be a vehement driver of transformation when it comes to the goal of climate neutrality – provided the political course is clear, consistent and defined for the long term. The democratic parties must now act together and decisively”, adds Christian Schmalzl, Co-CEO of Ströer.

For further background material, please visit klimawirtschaft.org

Download: Unternehmensappell PDF