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Harald Lesch Says Bavaria Is Falling Short on Its Climate Law as 2040 Target Faces Delay

The Klimarat scientist urges a pivot to near‑term renewables with broad citizen buy‑in over fusion projects or a diffuse hydrogen push.

Overview

  • Lesch argues the state has done far too little to meet its legal goal of climate neutrality by 2040, with a five‑year postponement now openly discussed.
  • He criticizes Economy Minister Hubert Aiwanger’s promotion of hydrogen for cars, saying scarce green hydrogen should be reserved for industrial processes.
  • The professor notes that much of Bavaria’s renewable progress stems from private initiatives and says the state’s potential remains far from exhausted.
  • To build acceptance, he proposes a state fund that lets residents share financially in the energy transition rather than leaving returns to anonymous investors.
  • He urges policymakers to back efficient solutions such as heat pumps and e‑mobility and warns the Klimarat views any rollback of targets as a setback.