Final answer:
Major environmental concerns in Germany and the UK are closely intertwined with climate change initiatives, environmental protection standards, and international environmental agreements. Stricter than the U.S. in some areas, they aim to balance development with sustainable practices and consumer-driven eco-friendly demands.
Step-by-step explanation:
The relationship between major environmental concerns in Germany and the United Kingdom mainly revolves around climate change, environmental protection, and adherence to environmental agreements and standards. Both countries, being developed and economically affluent, have stricter environmental standards as compared to the United States and many low-income countries. Their environmental policies often extend beyond their borders as they engage in global discussions and treaties through international bodies such as the United Nations to address issues including global warming, biodiversity preservation, and more.
Furthermore, products and industries within these countries are often subject to consumer pressure that enforces environmentally-friendly practices, such as labeling products to reflect eco-friendly methods ('this tuna caught in a net that kept dolphins safe') or responsible sourcing ('this product made only with wood not taken from rainforests'). This shows a symbiotic relationship with environmental advocacy and consumer behavior, reinforcing a global environmentalist agenda.