Hamburg, May 20 – The Hamburg Parliament on Wednesday debated climate policy following a motion by the AfD (Alternative for Germany) party. The AfD faction, in its current hour, cited supposed reassurances from climate researchers and scientists, claiming that the ‘climate apocalypse’ predicted by ‘left-green climate hysterics’ for years would not occur.
AfD Leader Cites Misinterpreted Research
Dirk Nockemann, head of the AfD parliamentary group, based his argument on recent adjustments to climate scientists’ forecasts. However, Alexander Mohrenberg, climate expert for the SPD, countered, “You read the headline, but then probably didn’t turn the page.”
What is the Research About?
Scientists from the World Climate Research Programme published a technical article outlining various scenarios for advancing global warming. While the article states that the extent of greenhouse gas emissions in the previously most severe scenario has “become implausible,” the lead author of the study, Detlef van Vuuren, clarified that this does not mean a dangerous climate change has been averted. The adjusted worst-case scenario still projects a warming of the planet by approximately 3.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial times, “a value at which very severe climate consequences are to be expected.”
Accusations of Climate Denial
Rosa Domm, climate spokesperson for the Green Party, explained that the worst-case scenario could only be adjusted because fewer greenhouse gases were emitted than expected in 2010. She attributed this to successful climate policies. “This would not have happened if it had been up to the AfD,” she stated, accusing the party of being “deeply rooted in a climate-denying milieu.”
AfD Accused of Social Media Stunts
Sandro Kappe, environmental policy spokesperson for the CDU, stated that the AfD generally rejects the fight against climate change “without science and without knowledge.” He suggested that the AfD’s motives were to create social media content where they could portray others as foolish. Similar debates have recently been initiated by the AfD parliamentary group in the Bundestag and the Bavarian AfD. US President Donald Trump has also spoken of a supposed cancellation of “climate alarmism.”
Climate Change in Northern Germany
According to the German Weather Service, 2024 was the hottest year since records began. Current data shows local climate change. The global climate crisis is also affecting Northern Germany. The NDR’s “Hamburg Journal 18.00” covered this topic on May 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM.
Additional News from Hamburg:
- Symbol Against Antisemitism: An Israeli flag was raised at Hamburg City Hall after one was burned during a demonstration last week.
- Königsdörffer Transfers to Mainz: Striker Königsdörffer leaves HSV after four years to join FSV Mainz 05 on a free transfer.
- Tennis Tournament in Hamburg: Hanfmann and Auger-Aliassime are out of the Tennis am Rothenbaum tournament due to defeats and rain delays.
- Murder of a Transgender Person Over 40 Years Ago: Verdict expected next week in the case.
- Cultural Tip: “Forbidden Books” – Exhibition at the Millerntorwache.
Source: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/afd-leugnet-folgen-des-klimawandels-in-der-buergerschaft-und-erntet-hohn,buergerschaft-168.html
