Mr. Weber, the EU originally decided to reduce_{CO2 emissions} by 40 percent by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. Now the target has been raised again and a reduction of 55 percent has been agreed. Do you think this is realistic?

The significant reduction in_{CO2 emissions} is politically ambitious, but can be implemented technologically in a tour de force. The technologies that are often already available must now be used more quickly. Instead of getting lost in debates about savings targets, we must finally get down to business. To do this, companies need an EU-wide coordinated political regulatory framework that provides incentives for investment in the development, construction and operation of additional emission-reducing technologies. Climate protection is then economically feasible and also makes economic sense. This is how we put the economy at the service of ecology. And: the most important driver for more climate protection is technical progress. We need to play this trump card more.

What can and must German industry do to come as close as possible to this, and what framework conditions must politicians create to achieve this?

The main driver for more climate protection will be the end-to-end electrification and digitalization of climate-relevant sectors. Particularly high_{CO2 reduction potential} can be seen in buildings and transportation. However, energy-intensive industry can also massively reduce its_{CO2 emissions} through electrification. However, as electrification only makes sense if it is economically attractive and if we obtain the electricity from renewable energies, we need to take a three-pronged approach. Firstly, the energy transition must be given a new boost. The expansion of renewable energy sources must pick up speed quickly. Secondly, we need to make better use of the potential for efficiency in generation and consumption and their synchronization. The digitalization of the electricity system must therefore be advanced, for example through the use of smart meter gateways. And the truism that every kilowatt hour that is not consumed does not have to be generated is irrefutable. More energy efficiency is the key. To this end, more incentives must be provided for investment in sustainable technologies. And thirdly, we need a massive reduction in the EEG surcharge and therefore the electricity price very quickly and, in return, a significantly higher_{CO2 price}.

A lot of hardware is being decommissioned in the course of digitalization. Is it always disposed of properly and how can we make a better contribution to environmental and climate protection in this area?

To the best of our knowledge, the disposal of old appliances is carried out in accordance with the law and in a professional manner. For economic reasons alone, collection and recycling are carried out in the commercial sector in such a way that recyclable materials can be returned to the economic cycle. However, there are often secondary and third-party markets or exports of old appliances. The exact disposal routes are not always fully documented. The Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act, which is currently in the legislative process, will for the first time oblige manufacturers of B2B devices to develop and present take-back concepts.