The referendum also included a vote on a basic income trial, which was rejected by 62.5%, with about a third of voters supporting providing €1,346 monthly to 2,000 residents for three years.

Despite opposition, Hamburg's climate initiative emphasizes social fairness by limiting costs for tenants during renovations and supporting landlords through subsidies.

The successful referendum marks a shift for Hamburg's climate movement, showcasing active citizen participation and potentially serving as a model for other regions.

Supporters, including climate activists, celebrate the referendum as Hamburg taking control of its climate policy, making it the only German state to implement its own climate law.

Voter turnout was approximately 43.6%, with the initiative passing as more than 20% of eligible voters participated and voted in favor, with results announced the same evening.

Hamburg has voted in favor of a climate referendum to achieve climate neutrality by 2040, five years earlier than initially planned, with 53.2% support among 43.6% voter participation.

The referendum, supported by over 160 organizations including Fridays for Future, aims to implement stricter emission reduction targets, enforce annual monitoring, and adapt the city's climate law accordingly.

The new legislation requires Hamburg to set sector-specific CO2 limits, monitor progress regularly, and take measures if targets are not met, with a transition period of two years to adjust the climate plan.

Achieving the accelerated goal involves replacing fossil fuels with hydrogen and e-fuels, electrifying transportation, and implementing measures like city-wide speed limits and environmental zones.

Opposition from political parties such as CDU, SPD, and industry groups warns that the stricter climate measures could lead to rising rents, job losses, and increased costs, with critics arguing the city underestimated the challenges.

The Hamburg Senate plans to adapt the climate strategy within a two-year transition period, considering social fairness and economic impacts, while the Senate will evaluate the legal and social consequences of the new law.

Expert reports support the technical feasibility of reaching climate neutrality by 2040 but highlight significant challenges such as building renovations, restructuring transportation, and replacing heating systems.