Mr. Chair,

Germany aligns itself with the EU statement.

We thank the Special Rapporteur for his report and his important work.

In a 2021 landmark ruling, the German Federal Constitutional Court found that the German constitution not only obliges the legislature to protect the climate and aim towards achieving climate neutrality, but to take into consideration how to fairly spread the burden of environmental protection measures between different generations.

This ruling – mentioned in the Special Rapporteur’s report – is one clear example of how climate change litigation can have an impact on legislation.

On an international level, Germany attributes importance to clarifying the rights and obligations of all States under international law and has thus supported Vanuatu in seeking an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice as an active member of the core group.

Mindful that the countries and marginalized populations of the Global South are the ones worst affected by the consequences of climate change, Germany is already firmly committed to further developing support programmes for dealing with climate-related damages. During our G7 Presidency, we launched the development of a “Global Shield against Climate Risks”.

Mr. Special Rapporteur,

How can Member States best ensure that persons in marginalised and/or vulnerable situations are given priority with respect to adaptation plans and to strengthen their resilience vis-à-vis the impacts of climate change?

I thank you.