Fulda on the way to climate neutrality: New concept for 2045!

Fulda on the way to climate neutrality: New concept for 2045!

A significant step towards climate protection has been taken in the city of Fulda. The responsible committee unanimously approved a new climate protection concept that serves as the basis for numerous measures to reduce the city's CO2 emissions and become climate neutral by 2045. This is seen as crucial to not only protect the environment but also increase the quality of life of citizens.

But before the concept can be finally adopted, there is still an important test to be carried out: it will be discussed in the city council at the end of next week. This climate protection concept was developed over a year and includes a wide range of measures that are integrated into seven action-relevant areas. These include, among others, transport, economics and environmental administration. Plans include, among other things, the expansion of solar systems and the environmentally friendly development of commercial areas in order to significantly reduce greenhouse gases.

Focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions

The overarching goal of the climate protection concept is to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. In 2022, emissions in Fulda were 866,000 tons, which corresponds to around 12.67 tons per capita. For comparison: the national average is 9.80 tonnes per capita. This gives the city the motivation to pursue a strict and efficient strategy to sustainably reduce its emissions. City planning officer Daniel Schreiner emphasized that the approach to climate protection is not exclusively the responsibility of the state. He called for broad participation from citizens, businesses and all institutions in the city. “Climate protection concerns us all,” he explained, emphasizing that the renovation of urban properties also brings economic benefits.

Construction and Climate Action Committee Chairman Michael Ruppel agreed with Schreiner, emphasizing that effective and clear messaging is needed to convey the benefits of climate action to the public. He also emphasized that the decision on the implementation of the 38 measures proposed in the concept would remain with the local committees. Broad public participation was ensured in the creation of the concept, as contributions from 550 participants were collected through workshops and online participation.

Important contributions and challenges

Fabiola Siering and Selina Holtermann from the engineering firm Cooperative, who presented the concept, emphasized that many of the proposed measures depend heavily on political decisions at the federal level. The discussion about banning combustion engines could bring about rapid change in the transport sector. “If the decision is made tomorrow, the market value will change relatively quickly,” said Siering. The concept not only provides for strategies, but also a comprehensive controlling system that gives the city the opportunity to adapt and optimize its measures as necessary.

The parliamentary groups in the city council have largely commented positively on the proposal, even the opposition party. Knut Heiland of the Green Party praised the concept, but pointed out that some of the proposed ideas have been rejected in the past. Konstantin Bockmühl from the CDU made it clear that the party has always supported progressive climate protection policies. Successful implementation of the concept is seen as the key to securing industrial and business locations in Fulda.

The next steps will be to present the concept at a public event on Wednesday, November 13th. Citizens and decision-makers are invited to contribute their opinions and suggestions in order to shape a sustainable path into the future and actively participate in climate protection.

Representatives of the AfD were not present that evening, and committee chairman Ruppel expressed sharp criticism of this ignorance. Peace is only possible if the democratic center supports the continuation of a future dialogue with the active participation of all citizens. Further details can be found in the reporting from www.fuldaerzeitung.de.