Climate Advisory Council in Hesse: Government ignores warning voices!

Climate Advisory Council in Hesse: Government ignores warning voices!

In Hesse there is a huge climate debate going on. The Hessian Climate Advisory Board, founded in 2023 and consisting of five independent experts, sees itself largely ignored by the state government. This reports daily news. The advisory board was created to support the state government in its ambitious goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2045.

Sven Linow, the chairman of the Climate Advisory Council, expresses his dissatisfaction: “The work of our committee is hardly appreciated by the CDU and SPD.” Linow reports only one meeting with the Hessian minister Ingmar Jung (CDU) since he took office in January 2024. A worrying situation that undermines the urgency of the issue and also supports Linow's observation: political interest in active climate protection seems to be noticeably declining.

Problems and challenges

Another cause for concern is the abolition of the annual climate reception. Instead, a sustainability reception took place without an invitation to the advisory board, which is a clear sign of disrespect for the chairman. In addition, Linow fears that the planned revision of the Hesse climate law, which questions options such as the climate check and the CO2 shadow price, could undermine the seriousness of climate protection.

Linow expresses concern that these measures are an attempt to avoid uncomfortable topics. He is also critical of the planned expansion of the Climate Advisory Board to include representatives from business and trade unions. Isn't it time to take clear positions in order to actively address the challenges that lie ahead?

And not to forget: Minister Ingmar Jung finds clear words in defense of the state government's current course. He emphasizes that climate protection should be implemented with acceptance among citizens - not through coercion. Jung announced that the advisory board would be strengthened by including non-scientific groups. But the question remains: Will this have the intended effect on the climate goals?

What now remains is a ground of uncertainty, mixed with the realization that inaction on climate protection will have not only ecological but also economic consequences in the long term. A good hand in political implementation could be crucial in order not to lose sight of the climate goals that have been set. It will be exciting to see how the state government's mood will change in the face of increasing criticism.

The debate about climate protection in Hesse continues to be a hot topic - and the question of how serious the government is about the feasibility of these ambitious goals remains unanswered.