BUND Berlin Demands New Start for Climate and Environmental Protection Ahead of 2026 Elections
Berlin, August 2, 2026: With the campaign for the 2026 Berlin House of Representatives elections now visibly underway, BUND Berlin has released its core demands for the incoming coalition government. The environmental organization emphasizes the urgent need for a new approach to climate and environmental protection in the city.
Berlin Needs a Packaging Tax Against Single-Use Waste!
Berlin is currently drowning in single-use waste, despite its ambition to become a Zero-Waste City. To-go packaging litters the cityscape, pollutes parks and streets, and incurs significant costs for the public. BUND Berlin advocates for a municipal packaging tax as a simple and effective measure to reduce waste and promote reusable alternatives.
- Introduction of a municipal packaging tax on single-use packaging for gastronomy, delivery services, and take-away offers.
- Consistent control and enforcement of existing reusable packaging obligations.
Berlin Needs Its Green Spaces – Even More Urgently as it Gets Hotter!
Every summer, Berlin experiences increasing heat, making overheated apartments a challenge for residents. Green areas such as parks, forests, allotments, and cemeteries act as natural air conditioners. However, these vital green spaces continue to be sacrificed for new construction. BUND Berlin calls for smart and forward-looking urban policies that combine affordable housing with consistent heat protection.
- No further development on green spaces.
- Creation of housing on already developed areas.
- Creation of additional green spaces in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
- No changes to the land use plan from green to gray.
- Promotion of forests as natural, dynamic ecosystems – as a green lung that can largely adapt to climate change conditions on its own.
Berlin Needs a Real Heat Transition – Climate-Neutral and Socially Just!
The existing building stock represents one of the most significant levers for climate protection, yet there is a lack of convincing concepts for the heat transition. Simultaneously, energy costs are rising without a fair distribution of the burden. Berlin must decisively and socially justly advance the heat transition.
- Binding climate targets for state-owned energy and housing companies.
- Consistent and socially acceptable energy-efficient renovation of the building stock.
- Truly climate-neutral district heating – no pseudo-solutions through waste, gas, and wood incineration.
- Equal infrastructural rights and priority for local heating networks and energy cooperatives, similar to the state-owned BEW (Berliner Energie und Wärme GmbH).
Berlin Must Not Run Dry!
Long-term, Berlin must not extract more water than can be naturally replenished. Despite this, clear rules for groundwater protection and a fair distribution of water extraction between households, industry, and commerce are still lacking. The financing of water protection and public participation also urgently need improvement.
- Binding minimum groundwater levels and protection of groundwater as a habitat.
- Priority for private households and the public sector in water extraction over industry and commerce.
- Earmarking of water fees for water protection and a fee for surface water extraction.
- Genuine public participation in the planning and implementation of water protection measures.
Berlin Needs a Real Mobility Transition – Safe, Just, Climate-Friendly!
Despite the noticeable climate crisis, there has recently been a significant rollback in the mobility transition and massive cuts in environmental areas. Urban and street space must be more equitably distributed to achieve climate goals, reduce pollutant emissions, and increase road safety. Instead of further highway expansion, Berlin needs a strong cycling and tram network.
- A safe, comprehensive cycling network instead of further urban highway expansion – immediate halt to A100 extension and TVO.
- Speed limit of 30 km/h on main roads and safe crossings for vulnerable road users.
- Rapid, prioritized expansion of the tram network instead of selective subway expansion.
- Expansion of resident parking with real steering effects and efficient management.
The BUND Berlin’s detailed policy paper, including comprehensive justifications, is available as a PDF. Please also visit our special page for the 2026 House of Representatives elections!
Upcoming Events:
- August 1: Signature campaign “Save Green Spaces – Heat Protection Now” at Markthalle Neun (Eisenbahnstraße 42/43).
- August 22: Signature campaign “Save Green Spaces – Heat Protection Now!” at Leonhardtstraße (Charlottenburg).
- August 26: “Continuation of the A100? What does the future of mobility in Berlin look like?” at Theater an der Parkaue, Stage 2, Parkaue 29, Berlin-Lichtenberg.
- September 1: Panel discussion “Housing Construction and Urban Green: How does Berlin build the future?” at bUm Berlin (Paul Lincke-Ufer 21, Kreuzberg).
- September 5: Climate block at the Tenants’ Demonstration, Rotes Rathaus.
- September 12: Demo: A100 wegbassen (A100 bass away) starting point: RAW-Gelände.
Source: https://www.bund-berlin.de/service/presse/detail/news/berlin-braucht-einen-neuanfang-bei-klima-und-umweltschutz/
