Overview

• Four days before the October 12 vote, the Hamburgische Bürgerschaft held a heated debate on the Zukunftsentscheid to move climate neutrality to 2040.
• All parliamentary groups except The Left declared opposition to the measure, while the Greens remain split between a supportive party and an opposing parliamentary group.
• The SPD emphasized existing laws and plans as the basis for progress, and CDU leader Dennis Thering warned a 2040 target would raise living costs and rents and drive companies and jobs away.
• Seventy researchers issued an open letter urging a yes vote, arguing Hamburg needs binding interim targets and social safeguards to ensure climate commitments are met.
• Initiative organizers say the 2040 goal is achievable with available technologies and special funds and point to neighboring northern states that have set the same target.