Climate goals in Lübeck: Mayor sees challenges and criticism!

Climate goals in Lübeck: Mayor sees challenges and criticism!

On August 2, 2025, the city of Lübeck's climate goals came into focus again. The city's mayor, Lindenau, expressed skepticism about the ability to achieve climate neutrality by 2035 and described the financial framework as “unrealistic and not feasible”. Similar positions were also expressed by Environmental Senator Hinsen and the CDU's Local Political Association (KPV). These critical voices raise questions about the current implementation of climate protection measures and illustrate the challenges that Lübeck is facing.

Five years after the adoption of the climate targets, there is still no comprehensive methodology for measuring CO2 emissions, no detailed action plan and no cost estimates. These shortcomings have been clearly addressed by the Lübeck Greens, who criticize the current administration for insufficient progress. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, CO2 emissions in Lübeck are increasing by almost 9% from 2019 to 2022.

Criticism and demands

In 2020, the citizens decided to reduce CO2 emissions by 50% by 2030 compared to 2019. In view of the lack of concrete measures, the Greens are calling on Mayor Lindenau to initiate effective climate protection measures and consistently enforce the climate goals. A particularly influential factor for the advanced target of climate neutrality was the Climate Decision initiative.

The Greens also emphasize the need for immediate steps and demonstrate the viability of many planned measures. This includes, among other things, the promotion of electromobility, the expansion of photovoltaic systems and the use of heat pumps. A consistent commitment by the city administration to these climate protection measures is required.

Climate protection master plan

At the political level, Lübeck is working on the Climate Protection Master Plan (MAKS), which aims to achieve long-term sustainable climate goals. Climate neutrality was originally planned for 2040, but after a successful citizens' initiative, this goal was brought forward to 2035. The MAKS includes numerous measures in the areas of energy supply, mobility, building efficiency and sustainable consumption.

• Förderung erneuerbarer Energien: Photovoltaik, Windkraft, Geothermie
• Energetische Sanierungen und effiziente Technologien
• Ausbau des öffentlichen Nahverkehrs und Förderung von Radverkehr und Elektromobilität
• Projekte zur Begrünung der Stadt und Schutz von Mooren
• Initiativen zur Förderung eines klimafreundlichen Lebensstils

The city emphasizes the importance of cooperation with companies, science, civil society and politics. Citizens have the opportunity to actively participate in climate protection, including through citizen participation events that have already been successfully held.

For the future, Lübeck is planning, among other things, a digital strategy to integrate climate protection into all areas of action. Regular greenhouse gas balances should also serve to monitor CO2 savings targets. A port development plan and a transport development plan also ensure that mobility and infrastructure are sustainable in order to actually achieve the climate goals.

Given the current challenges, it remains to be seen how the city of Lübeck will respond to the demands of the Greens and the major concerns of climate protectors and whether the ambitious goals can actually be achieved. The road to climate neutrality is undoubtedly long and rocky, but with appropriate measures and commitment, Lübeck could be on the right path.