The climate raises the alarm: Esslingen threatens CO₂ budget crossing!

The climate raises the alarm: Esslingen threatens CO₂ budget crossing!

In Esslingen there are alarm signs: The local climate car has warned that the city could exceed its CO₂ budget by a whopping 35 percent. "There is something," says the round, which is composed of city councilors and representatives of different groups. If the current development continues, Esslingen's ambitious climate goals are in a serious danger. The measures previously adopted apparently are not sufficient to meet the challenges of climate change, such as [Stuttgart News] (https://www.stuttgarter-nachrichten.de/inhalt.klimarat-warnt-esslingen-doht-co-Budget- zu-ueberreiten-kestefreit-bestfarf.

Climate change has long since become a reality in Baden-Württemberg. The consequences are noticeable: from rising temperatures to extreme weather events such as heat waves and heavy rain. Esslingen has therefore developed a comprehensive climate protection concept that was decided in the local council in December 2022. The aim is to become climate-neutral by 2040 and to maintain the city as a livable home for future generations, such as [Esslingen.de] (https://www.esslingen.de/mobilitaet-und-klimaschtz/klimaschtz/klimaschutz target).

climate goals and implementable measures

As part of this concept, the city has set ambitious goals: by 2030, greenhouse gas emissions are to be reduced annually by 6 percent in order to achieve an impressive reduction of 95 percent compared to 2007 by 2040. In this context, various fields of action were identified, such as the areas of heat supply, power generation and the mobility of the citizens.

But what is done in concrete terms? Esslingen has already initiated several measures, including the electrification of the urban fleet, the expansion of a cycling infrastructure and the introduction of smart electricity meters. In addition, 50 to 100 new wheel parking systems are created annually and 500 charging points for electric vehicles are installed. The modernization of street lighting is also promoted. The goal is clear: Esslingen not only wants to make a contribution to climate protection in theory, but also practically.

The importance of adaptation to climate change

to write climate protection alone on the flags, but is not enough. The [Federal Center for Political Education] (https://www.bpb.de/themen/klimawandel/dossier-klimawandel/516494/klimaan adaptation-und-klimaschtz/) emphasizes that climate adaptation is also important. This is about developing strategies in order to better prepare the city for future challenges, such as more extreme weather conditions. Esslingen has recognized that both prevention through climate protection and adaptation to the existing conditions are market stones of sustainable urban development.

Currently, the citizens are already observing the effects of climate change: the annual mean temperatures are increasing, the vegetation periods are shifted and the summer are also getting hotter. The steadily increasing heat waves and weather extremes make the challenges for urban planners all the more pressing.