Overview
- The tightened climate law reflecting the October vote is already in force, bringing the neutrality date forward to 2040 with annual CO₂ caps from 2026 and mandatory corrective measures from 2027.
- The CDU plans a 10 December amendment to restore 2045, citing higher living costs, business risks and labor shortages, and pointing to Article 50(4) of Hamburg’s constitution as its legal basis.
- Mayor Peter Tschentscher ruled out backing an immediate reversal, stating the referendum result must be accepted and that any change could be considered only if workable implementation cannot be found.
- The CDU lacks the votes on its own with 26 seats and would need SPD support to reach a simple majority; if the law were changed, about 33,000 voters could trigger a new referendum within three months.
- Hamburg’s Greens approved a plan outlining faster heat transition, building retrofits, public transport expansion, extensive EV charging and a citizens’ council, with funding proposed from the federal Infrastructure and Climate Neutrality special fund.