But, as environment minister, I am very interested in a thriving German automobile industry, because I can only pay for the rising costs of environmental protection at home and abroad if there are people in Germany with jobs and who pay taxes.

In this quote, Sigmar Gabriel, while serving as environment minister, highlights the delicate balance between supporting a thriving German automobile industry and ensuring that environmental protection is adequately funded. Gabriel acknowledges that economic growth is essential for sustaining efforts to protect the environment, both within Germany and globally. He emphasizes that tax revenues from a strong economy, particularly from sectors like the automobile industry, are necessary to cover the costs of environmental protection and to support initiatives that address environmental challenges.

Gabriel’s statement reflects a pragmatic approach to environmental policy. While he is deeply committed to addressing environmental issues, he recognizes that these goals cannot be achieved in isolation from economic factors. A strong, competitive industrial base—such as the automobile sector—is essential for funding sustainable practices and ensuring that people have access to jobs that contribute to the nation’s fiscal health. His comment points to the interconnectedness of economic stability and environmental sustainability.

The origin of this quote lies in Gabriel’s role as Germany’s environment minister, where he navigated the complex relationship between economic development and environmental regulation. His position required balancing the push for green technologies and climate action with the realities of maintaining a strong and competitive industrial sector, which plays a vital role in the country’s economy.

Ultimately, Gabriel’s quote speaks to the need for a balanced approach in policymaking, one that supports economic vitality while also addressing environmental protection. It underscores the idea that the transition to a more sustainable future requires not just technological innovation but also an economy that can fund and sustain these efforts.