Overview

• Hamburg votes on October 12 on a binding initiative to bring the city’s climate‑neutrality target forward to 2040 with annual interim targets and possible immediate programs if CO₂ limits are missed.
• All Bürgerschaft factions except Die Linke oppose the proposal, with the Greens’ parliamentary group against it despite the party’s support.
• Environment Senator Katharina Fegebank defended the Senate’s existing climate course and said the government must remain neutral on referendums.
• Seventy researchers issued an open letter backing a Yes vote, arguing Hamburg needs more binding rules to meet goals and citing city‑specific climate risks.
• Opponents warn of heavy social and economic burdens, and the measure would only pass if at least 20% of eligible voters—about 250,000—vote Yes, enabling the law to take effect in 2026.