Two SPD ministers are advocating for climate protection to be enshrined in the constitution, proposing measures to address heatwaves and urging cross-party support despite skepticism from the CDU.

Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig and Housing Minister Verena Hubertz from the SPD have intensified their push to embed climate and heat protection as a shared responsibility of federal, state, and local governments in the constitution. The ministers unveiled a proposal outlining strategies to combat rising temperatures, including legislative changes to facilitate heat-resilient housing and urban planning.

Hubig suggested reforms to rental laws to make it easier for tenants to install cooling systems or sunshades in their homes, addressing current legal hurdles. She emphasized the need for clear regulations that balance the interests of tenants and landlords. Meanwhile, Hubertz highlighted the importance of integrating heat protection into urban development, advocating for measures like planting trees and creating shaded public spaces. She argued that proactive planning is more cost-effective than retrofitting later.

The ministers reiterated the necessity of constitutional amendments to enable the federal government to provide sustained support for local and state climate initiatives. However, such changes require a two-thirds majority in both the Bundestag and Bundesrat, necessitating support from opposition parties. While the CDU has expressed reservations, the SPD continues to appeal for bipartisan cooperation to address the escalating climate crisis.