On the way to a climate-neutral Berlin – or: Anchoring climate neutrality as a new requirement level. A statement on the BEK 2023-26
Following the change of government in the federal state of Berlin, the newly composed House of Representatives dealt with the Berlin Energy and Climate Protection Program (BEK) for the upcoming period up to 2026. The basis for the updated BEK is the scenario study for which Prof. Hirschl was the main author and project manager. He was available to answer questions in the responsible Committee for Environmental and Climate Protection of the Berlin House of Representatives.
In his presentation, Prof. Hirschl pointed out the urgency of adopting the BEK, as a lot of time had already passed and the first program had already expired. In addition, the consistent implementation of all measures in all responsible senate administrations, but also in the districts, which must be equipped accordingly, is required. He showed selected graphics from the study, which describes the path to climate neutrality in Berlin and forms the basis for the BEK and the proposed sector targets.
In particular, achieving the interim target for 2030 – minus 70 percent CO2 emissions compared to 1990 – is extremely ambitious and requires consistent political implementation with immediate effect. Climate governance is therefore needed to ensure rapid and reliable success in all sectors. To achieve this, the expertise of all relevant stakeholders must be included in order to deal with conflicting goals that stand in the way of achieving climate neutrality as quickly as possible. Following his statement, Prof. Hirschl and the other experts invited to the hearing answered the MPs' questions.
The meeting was documented (DE): YouTube video of the entire meeting, Prof. Hirschl's presentation starting at minute 41:33, Prof. Hirschl's answers to MPs' questions starting at 1:49:57, written verbatim record of the meeting.
