The mayors of the big cities in Bavaria have sharply criticized the state government’s new climate protection law. “It’s not enough if the Free State, but also the federal government, keeps launching new funding programs,” says Fürth Mayor and Deputy Head of the Bavarian City Association, Thomas Jung (SPD). “That’s well intentioned, but ultimately just a drop in the ocean.”
Jung’s demand is expressly shared by the Straubing mayor and chairman of the Bavarian city council, Markus Pannermayr (CSU): “The state government must understand the management of climate change as a municipal duty.” That means: The Free State should provide the municipalities – analogous to the construction of schools, for example – sufficient and reliable money for strategies against the climate crisis. The city day meets until this Thursday in Regensburg for its general assembly. Her topic is “Cities in the face of climate change”.
The central point of contention between the municipalities and the state government is Article 8 of the new climate protection law, which was recently introduced in the state parliament. It reads: “The Free State of Bavaria supports the local authorities with funding programs in achieving the reduction targets (for CO₂ emissions, editor’s note).” That’s not just for experts, it’s also far too non-binding for the mayors.
“Climate protection and climate adaptation require supra-local control and clear targets,” says Jung. “What is needed is a consistent concept at the federal and state level, from which the framework conditions for the municipalities become clear.” As examples of the required specifications, he cites the expansion of renewable energies, the conversion and expansion of the gas network, but also the power line network or the ban on fossil fuel heating.
Regensburg is the leader on hot days
Large cities are particularly hard hit by the climate crisis. On hot and dry days, they heat up much more than the surrounding open country or even forests. Regensburg is a vivid example of this. The city is the Bavarian leader when it comes to hot days. These are the days when the thermometer rises to 30 degrees and more. There are now more than 20 of them in Regensburg, and they will continue to grow. Reasons are the medieval city center, but also the many newer, densely built-up residential areas and commercial areas on the one hand and too few trees, parks and green corridors on the other.
In other cities, of course, the development is not much better. “We mustn’t wait for others to take action,” says City Council President Pannermayr. “Climate change can be felt on our doorstep and we must sweep up against climate change on our doorstep.” As examples of urban climate protection, he cites the establishment of green corridors and air corridors, but also the expansion of the cycle path network. This Thursday, the mayors are expecting Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) in Regensburg. Then they want to confront him with their criticism of the new climate protection law.