Hamburg, the GREEN CITY

Climate change and its consequences is a reality and that is one of the most important challenges of our time.

Hamburg, in north of Germany, is one of the most European cities wich has been taken seriously attempting to reduce the negative effects that cities cause in the environment. The creation of the concept of “climate protection” has led them to develop a series of lines with the goal of reducing by 22% by 2012 CO2 emissions compared to 1990, surpassing the agreements reached at the Kyoto Protocol (5% ) and to achieve a reduction of 40% in 2020.

The term “climate protection” is based on four lines:
1) Reduction of energy demand
2) Provide sustainable energy
3) Efficient energy conversion
4) Creation of a climate protection

The really important thing is that this concept is intended as an integration project. It can not be viable without the whole society is involved and part of this project. From the media, political, economic and even within the private lives of citizens, it is intended that the program is part of the everyday life of people. Every citizen should know the consequences and effects of human actions on climate.

The whole society should be awareness that to achieve these objectives, the energy consumed in the city is changing fossil fuels to wind, solar and geothermal. But local authorities promote and facilitate ways for citizens to contribute their grain of sand. The traffic reduction is achieved by improving conditions for cyclists and pedestrians. Also encourage innovations in construction for buildings to be within the concept of climate change.

Obviously preparing a city like Hamburg than 2 million people costs time and money, but government support and commitment of the European Union together with the contributions of the companies makes 25 million euros, which is estimated to cost over a period 5-year funding of this project is something viable.