The referendum in Berlin failed

class=”sc-3778e872-0 gWjAEa”>

An alliance “climate reboot” wanted to push for a change in the state’s energy transition law with the vote. Specifically, Berlin must commit to becoming climate neutral by 2030 and not by 2045 as previously planned.

After counting about 98 percent of the vote, the proponents were just ahead of the opponents of such a law change. However, this was only one condition for a successful referendum. However, the second requirement, an approval percentage (quorum) of at least 25 percent of all eligible voters, was not met.

Shortly before the end of the count, there were about 423,000 yes votes versus about 405,000 no votes. The quorum for a successful referendum was about 608,000 yes votes.

The “Climate Restart” alliance had forced the vote last year with a four-month collection of signatures. If successful, the amended law would have been passed and entered into force.

Climate neutrality means that no greenhouse gases are emitted that exceed those absorbed by nature or other sinks. To achieve this, emissions that are harmful to the climate, for example from internal combustion vehicles, aircraft, heating installations, power plants or industrial companies, would have to be reduced by about 95 percent compared to 1990. Germany wants to be climate neutral by 2045. The EU wants to be there by 2050.

Before the vote, it was disputed whether Berlin could have achieved this goal by 2030. The initiators of the referendum and their supporters, for example in environmental organizations, tenants’ associations, in the cultural scene or also in the greens and leftists, confirmed that there will be replacements, classifying the target year 2030 as unrealistic in a statement.

Yet Berlin would not have been alone with a stricter climate target. According to the German Zero association, about 70 cities in Germany are aiming to be carbon neutral by 2035 at the latest. At European level, the European Commission is supporting 100 municipalities participating in the “EU Mission for Climate Neutral and Smart Cities” by 2030.

(SDA)

Source: Blick