Hamburg mayor sees federal climate goals endangered by Berlin's policy

Hamburg Mayor Peter Tschentscher stated that the federal government's energy policies are jeopardizing the city's climate goals, despite Hamburg's commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2040.

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We have not given up our goals, they are achievable. But it will not be easy and it is not entirely in our hands.

Tschentscher criticized the federal government's recent building modernization law, arguing it fails to adequately address the need to phase out fossil fuel heating. He pointed to rising gasoline prices as evidence of the dangers of relying on fossil fuels and warned that a lack of a clear solution for heating costs could mirror public frustration seen at gas stations.

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The withdrawal from funding for climate-friendly heating and energy-efficient renovation is not a good decision.

He stressed that abandoning support for climate-friendly heating and energy-efficient renovations is a "bad decision." Tschentscher advocated for promoting heat pumps and district heating to keep costs affordable for residents, emphasizing that long-term planning is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector. He cautioned against abruptly removing intact heating systems, calling it "destruction of assets."

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In the long run, fossil fuel heating means rising costs. We need the switch to heat pumps in the interest of tenants too.

The mayor also noted that Hamburg's interim goal of a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels is achievable, but the federal government's actions make it more challenging. He described the requirement for an annual emissions report as bureaucratic and ineffective in reducing CO2.

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You don't just rip out an intact heating system. That is destruction of assets.