Steinfurt Climate Advisory Board: Critical assessment and dissatisfaction before the election!

Steinfurt Climate Advisory Board: Critical assessment and dissatisfaction before the election!

On August 13, 2025, the Steinfurt Climate Advisory Board will draw a mixed conclusion after the end of the city's electoral period. The committee, which was created on the initiative of the “How do we want to live” association, has dealt intensively with the challenges of climate protection over the last few years. But the last meeting also showed that the relationship with the city administration is strained. These critical aspects were summarized in a four-page summary and sent to the mayor and the parliamentary group leaders, as reported by wn.de.

Chaired by Uli Ahlke and supported by five other members, including professors and experts, the advisory board has sought to influence the city's climate protection measures. But there is great dissatisfaction within our own ranks. Many members feel inadequately involved in decision-making processes and communication with the city administration is perceived as inadequate. This has already led to three of the six advisory board members announcing that they will no longer be available from autumn, while the remaining three want to wait for developments after the local elections, as GrueneSteinfurt reports.

Collaboration problems

A central point of contention was the right of the Climate Advisory Council representatives to speak in the committee. A suggestion from an administration official to restrict this right caused anger and was seen as a hindrance to democratic exchange. In addition, the advisory board was excluded from an important event on municipal heat planning, where it had previously made active suggestions. This exclusion raises the question of why the city administration does not make better use of the advisory board's expertise. Volunteer members ask themselves to what extent the city is willing to regain their trust.

However, engaging citizens and various stakeholders is crucial to increasing acceptance of climate action. According to information from the Bosch Foundation, the measures must be designed in a socially acceptable manner and tailored to the needs of the population. This is the only way to take the necessary steps to reduce emissions.

A look into the future

The critical situation of the Climate Advisory Board shows that it is essential to promote transparent and open-ended citizen participation. The discussions about the disagreements between the administration and the advisory board are intended to clarify the extent to which new trust can be built. Many see constructive cooperation as the key to a future-proof and accepted climate policy.

The last few months have made it clear that climate protection is not only a responsibility of politicians, but above all of citizens. The hope remains that the city administration will recognize the important role of the climate advisory board and cooperate better in the future to lead Cologne into an environmentally friendly future.