In January, the municipal council decided by a large majority to examine all measures necessary to achieve climate neutrality in 2035. A realistic, socially and economically compatible climate roadmap is to be drawn up by the summer break. Stuttgart's Lord Mayor Dr. Frank Nopper emphasized in his speech that #climateprotection is "one of the most fundamental challenges of this century."

"Stuttgart can, should and must make a contribution to climate protection - and this contribution must be embedded in what is happening in Germany, Europe and the world in terms of climate protection," the Lord Mayor emphasized. "Climate protection works together with Europe, Germany and Baden-Württemberg - and together with the city administration and local council," Nopper said. The Lord Mayor emphasized the will of the state capital to continue to play a pioneering role. When it comes to climate protection, Nopper explained, "we are dealing with an incredibly dynamic process." "Climate protection goes hand in hand with an overall responsibility for all areas of our society."

"Ecology and economy have to be linked," said Nopper, who called for being at the forefront of the movement in all #innovations, open to technology. This included resource-saving and low-emission automobiles, many e-charging points, model projects for synthetic fuels, and digitally controlled and attractive local public transport. Nopper described strategies of Stuttgart's car manufacturers to achieve CO2 neutrality in the near future as "courageous and forward-looking."

In addition, the Lord Mayor of #stuttgart emphasized that the light rail network of the SSB has been growing for decades, the #stadtwerke are the engine of the #energy turnaround and the housing company SWSG has adopted a highly ambitious climate strategy. In addition, there are numerous support programs, such as those for #photovoltaics and for heat pumps. "As you can see, a lot is happening here in Stuttgart," Nopper emphasized.

At the same time, Stuttgart's mayor called for taking the step toward climate neutrality together with the city's society and business community. "We cannot afford to divide the urban society when it comes to climate protection," the Lord Mayor emphasized. The motto "reconciliation instead of division" applies, without which cooperation in climate protection will not work, he said. "For the industrial and automotive city of Stuttgart, this means: "No de-industrialization and no de-automobilization, but a clear commitment to climate-friendly mobility and automobility."

"Climate mobility by 2035 is very ambitious and very sporty," the Lord Mayor emphasized. "But loosely based on Hermann Hesse, it is true that one must attempt the impossible in order to achieve the possible."

Texts from the press release of the state capital Stuttgart, Image: Thomas Wagner