Deutsche Umwelthilfe sues Berlin Senate for Ignoring Climate Law

Berlin, July 24, 2026 – The environmental advocacy group Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) has sharply criticized the Berlin Senate for its continued violation of the state's own climate protection law. The law mandates the presentation of a Berlin Energy and Climate Protection Program, which was due in March 2024 but has yet to be published.

DUH filed a lawsuit with the Higher Administrative Court of Berlin-Brandenburg in December 2025 due to the Senate's inaction. The organization accuses the Senate of refusing to develop and publish adequate measures to achieve Berlin's climate goals. On July 14, the Berlin Senate, through its legal counsel, suggested dropping the lawsuit in light of upcoming elections, a request DUH has refused.

"The Berlin Senate ignores the current Climate Protection Law. First, they let the deadline for the climate protection program pass, then they drastically cut climate protection funds, announce a statement in court, and then remain silent for months until the court has to inquire if a statement is still expected," stated Jürgen Resch, Federal Managing Director of DUH. He characterized the tactic as an attempt by the CDU and SPD parties to save themselves over the election by circumventing their legal obligation and called it "climate policy irresponsibility at the expense of Berliners." DUH is maintaining its lawsuit and demanding concrete immediate measures, including a city-wide speed limit of 30 km/h on main roads, a massive expansion of safe bicycle paths, the removal of car parking spaces, an energy efficiency offensive for schools and kindergartens, and effective green heat protection measures.

The Berlin Climate Council has also expressed doubts about achieving the legal climate protection targets and is calling for measures that can achieve the legal requirements across all sectors. DUH insists on its demands, stating they serve both climate protection and the health of Berlin's residents.