$60 bln climate policy package:

Under pressure from environmental protests and a surge in support for the opposition Green party, the German government agreed Friday on a 54 billion euro ($60 billion) package of measures for tackling climate change.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the deal agreed by the country’s governing parties after all-night talks represented a major boost for Germany’s efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions.

Europe’s biggest economy aims to cut its emissions by 55% by 2030 compared with 1990 levels

“We believe that we can achieve the goals and that we’ve truly laid the foundations for this,” Merkel said.

Germany had long been a leader on environmental protection but has lagged behind many European neighbors in recent years and looks set to miss its emissions cutting targets for 2020 by a wide margin. The country’s transport sector in particular had failed to keep step with reduction targets.

The government’s cautious climate policy contrasts with the view among most German voters that curbing global warming is the most pressing issue of the day.

German students have embraced Swedish teenager activist Greta Thunberg’s weekly protests, holding large rallies – often during school-time – in major cities on Fridays that have received widespread support.

A poll released Friday by ARD television showed 63% of voters saying the government should prioritize climate protection over economic growth. Only 24% said economic growth should take priority.

On the back of these environmental concerns the German Green party has seen a surge in support, coming second in May’s elections for the European Parliament. (AP)