Hesse's universities criticize planned changes to the Hesse Climate Act

Hessian universities view the planned “target” rather than “mandatory” provisions in the Climate Act as a deliberate watering down of Hesse’s climate protection goals, which are based on scientific findings and the Paris Agreement of December 12, 2015. The state of Hesse would thus no longer be able to live up to its role as a model. Hesse’s universities also consider it essential that scientific findings—in which researchers from Hesse’s universities are also involved—continue to be taken into account as an important foundation of Hesse’s climate policy. 

Independent Scientific Climate Advisory Board Must Be Maintained

Hesse’s universities are therefore dismayed that the independent and autonomous scientific climate advisory board, with its special expertise in climate issues, is to be replaced by a climate advisory board appointed by the ministers based on their own, undefined criteria for expertise. The universities view this as an unacceptable encroachment on the Hessian Climate Act. The Hessian universities demand that the independent scientific climate advisory board be mandatorily retained. Furthermore, the universities advocate for the continuation of regular, scientifically supported monitoring of climate protection and climate adaptation measures—including mandatory measures to achieve targets—and for the transparent publication of the results.

From the perspective of Hessian universities, it is also essential that the Hessian Climate Plan—which is based on scientific principles—continue to provide a reliable planning foundation for long-term investment and renovation decisions. To ensure that the state administration can be organized to be net greenhouse gas neutral by 2030 as planned, the universities need not only planning certainty but also appropriate instruments. Unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions should continue to be mandatorily offset by the state through measures with high climate protection benefits.

Particularly with regard to university properties—many of which are in need of renovation—planning certainty is just as important as sufficient resources. To protect university operations from the consequences of climate change in the future, the structural and technical resilience of university buildings must be taken into account. Therefore, consistent climate adaptation of state-owned properties and their infrastructure is absolutely essential. Only in this way can it be ensured that Hessian universities will continue to fulfill their educational and research missions in the future and that the quality of study and teaching remains secured in the long term. 

Hesse’s universities urge that the arguments and concerns outlined here be carefully examined and given due consideration in the ongoing legislative process. They are happy to engage in constructive, collaborative discussions aimed at advancing scientifically based and well-founded climate goals.

The full text of the statement can be found here.

Press Contact:

On behalf of the Hessian universities:

Dr. Gabriele Neumann
, Press Spokesperson
, Philipps University of Marburg
, Phone: 06421 28-23010
, Email: gabriele.neumann[at]uni-marburg[dot]de