The German government is planning to invest about 2 billion euros (US$2.87 billion) in the next six years on research concerning climate change, German media reported Thursday.

Education and Research Minister Annette Schavan made the announcement in an interview with the Hamburger Abendblatt evening newspaper.

She said she would present in a few weeks a framework program with research projects and concepts for the conversion of carbon dioxide and better land use.

The German government would promote technological innovation and seek cooperation with other nations, said Schavan.

"Germany has scientists who belong to the international elite and can create important foundations," she said.

Reiterating Germany's goal to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 40 percent by 2020 against 1990 levels, Schavan said the outcome of the Copenhagen climate talks "should unleash forces to achieve the necessary goals."

"Here research and technological development can play a major role," she said.

(Xinhua News Agency December 25, 2009)