Germany needs to clearly spell out the steps it will take to phase out coal, and ensure binding commitments by all relevant levels of government, NGO Environmental Action Germany (DUH) and the Heinrich-Böll-Foundation say in a press release. Following nearly two years of consultations with stakeholders in Germany and in the neighbouring Czech Republic, DUH and the Green Party-affiliated foundation say the government has to come up with “clearly defined exit scenarios” and “early identification of alternative strategies” to help coal regions cope with the transition. Germany and the Czech Republic face similar challenges due to their dependence on lignite, the organisations say. The planned coal commission in Germany must present a coal exit timetable to create planning security for policymakers and investors in the region, the organisations say. Klára Sutlovičová of Czech think tank Glopolis said Czech law ensured financial reserves for “recultivation” of affected regions, serving as a “positive example” for German lawmakers.

Find the press release in German here.

Read more on how Germany gears up official talks on coal phase-out.