DIHK 2024 Climate Protection Compass: Unlocking Global Business Opportunities Through Stable Frameworks

German companies are eager to lead the way in global climate protection but are running into a familiar roadblock: unreliable policies and patchy incentives. That’s the recurring theme of the AHK Climate Protection Compass 2024, a report from the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) and the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs).

Based on input from over 2,200 German businesses operating across 43 countries, the report underscores a mixed reality—one where immense opportunities in climate protection coexist with structural hurdles that stifle progress.

The good news? German businesses see incredible potential in sectors like renewable energy, green mobility, and energy transition technologies. The enthusiasm is palpable in the Eurozone and South and Central America, where an impressive 90% of respondents report promising business prospects.

But optimism doesn’t stretch everywhere. In Greater China, nearly a quarter of companies see little to no opportunities tied to climate protection. For Volker Treier, DIHK’s foreign trade chief, this uneven landscape highlights a critical challenge.

“When it comes to climate protection, businesses are usually the first to act, the first to invest,” Treier said. “But they can only go so far without the right support. And in many places, that support is either inconsistent or missing entirely.”

Slow Progress, Uneven Awareness

There are glimmers of progress. Compared to 2022, more companies (24%, up from 20%) say their host countries now have credible strategies for renewable energy. Still, the fact remains: too many locations lack the structures and incentives needed to translate ambition into action.

Public awareness around climate protection is another sticking point. In the Eurozone, climate issues dominate the conversation, earning an average score of 4.1 out of 6 for importance in public debate. Meanwhile, Eastern and Southeastern Europe lag behind at 3.1.

Treier warns this gap could grow, especially with political shifts like those in the United States potentially dampening global momentum.

One of the thorniest issues for businesses is CO₂ pricing in the EU. While it’s spurring some innovation, it’s also making European companies rethink their operations.

On the one hand, 34% of respondents expect EU CO₂ pricing to boost the market share of European products in their home countries. On the other, many are looking at countries like India, Morocco, and Vietnam as more cost-effective production hubs.

“The reality is that CO₂ pricing is pushing businesses to explore alternatives outside the EU,” Treier explained. “It’s a double-edged sword—great for innovation but risky for retaining competitive advantages in Europe.”

Stability & Support

At the heart of the AHK Climate Protection Compass 2024 is a clear message: businesses are ready to seize the opportunities that come with tackling the climate crisis. But they can’t do it alone.

“The results show immense potential in climate protection,” Treier noted. “But to unlock it, companies need stable, predictable policies and meaningful incentives. Without these, we’re at risk of stalling progress just when we need it most.”

For German businesses—and the global economy—the stakes couldn’t be higher. The DIHK is calling on governments worldwide to step up, creating investment-friendly environments that empower companies to lead on climate protection.

With the right framework conditions, the private sector has the tools and the drive to turn climate challenges into opportunities. Without them, even the most ambitious plans risk being left on the shelf.

In the words of Treier, “Climate protection is a business opportunity like no other. But we need reliable support to turn potential into reality.”

This isn’t just about tackling climate change; it’s about building a sustainable future—one that works for businesses, communities, and the planet alike.

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