The Climate Decision of the German Constitutional Court and Its Implications on Soil Management

On 24 March 2021, Germany’s highest court found the German Climate Change Act to be partly unconstitutional because it did not sufficiently mitigate the burden put on the future exercise of freedom rights by the emissions allowed until 2030. The ruling represents a milestone for climate protection in Germany and also deserves attention beyond Germany’s borders. In this ruling, the Constitutional Court sets a strong signal for more climate change, making clear that the protection of the climate is a constitutional obligation. Because of the close interactions between soil and climate change, the decision also recalls the importance of a better soil protection. This chapter summarizes the essential statements of the Court and analyses the consequences for soil protection.