German climate minister says speed of carbon cuts needs to be trebled

Robert Habeck has called for nation to act to realise gigantic task' of creating climate neutral country

Germany's new economy and climate protection minister has called for the nation to pull together to realise the gigantic task" of creating a climate neutral country, saying it posed a considerable social and financial challenge as well as a big opportunity.

Introducing a broad outline of his ambitious plans to the public for the first time since entering government as part of a three-way coalition last month, the Green party's Robert Habeck called for a threefold increase in the speed with which carbon dioxide emissions are reduced, arguing Germany faced a race against time and required a massive national debate" to achieve the goals set out by his ministry. He said the government faced an uphill task to win many people over to the idea of a transition.