Major restructuring of independent scientific advisory board would lead to its de facto abolition
DARMSTADT/FRANKFURT/MARBURG. Hessian universities, universities of applied sciences and art academies are criticizing planned changes to the Hessian Climate Act. In a joint statement to the Hessian Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the Hessian Ministry of Science, they warn against the proposed amendments, which would weaken binding environmental targets and affect universities. The planned de facto abolition of the independent scientific climate advisory board has also raised concerns.
Universities view the planned shift from “must” to “should” requirements as a deliberate weakening of the Hessian climate protection targets, which are based upon scientific data and the Paris Agreement of December 12, 2015. These changes would compromise Hesse’s position as a role model. Additionally, they emphasize that climate policy in Hesse must continue to be guided by scientific research, which also includes contributions from Hessian universities.
Independent scientific advisory board must remain unchanged
Hessian universities also express concerns about plans to replace the independent, impartial scientific advisory board. They note that while the current members have specialized climate expertise, the new board would be appointed by ministers using their own undefined criteria for expertise. The universities consider this an unacceptable violation of Hesse’s Climate Act. They demand that the advisory board in its current form remain in place. Additionally, they emphasize that the regular, scientifically supported monitoring of climate action should continue, alongside mandatory measures to meet targets and the transparent publication of results.
According to the universities, it is also crucial that the scientifically based Hessian Climate Plan continues to provide a reliable basis for long-term investment planning and renovation decisions. In order to meet existing plans to operate greenhouse gas neutral by 2030, universities need both planning certainty and the necessary instruments to achieve this deadline. Unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions should continue to be offset at the state level through measures with high climate protection benefits.
Particularly in view of the extensive renovation backlog in many of their buildings, Hessian universities need sufficient resources and a reliable policy framework. In order to protect university operations from the consequences of climate change, the structural and technical resilience of university buildings must be enhanced. Therefore, it is essential to climate-proof state-owned buildings and their infrastructure to make sure that universities can continue to fulfill their educational and research mission without compromising academic quality.
Hessian universities call upon the state government to assess the arguments and concerns presented and give them due consideration in the ongoing legislative process. They emphasize that they are always available for constructive discussions to continue to drive scientifically based climate targets.
Read the full statement (in German):
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Press Contact:
For universities of applied sciences:
Simon Colin
Press Contact
Hochschule Darmstadt
Telefon: 06151 533-68036
E-Mail: simon.colin(at)h-da.de
For Hessian universities:
Dr. Gabriele Neumann
Press Contact
Philipps-Universität Marburg
Phone: 06421 28-23010, Mobil: 0160 97389440
Email: gabriele.neumann(at)uni-marburg.de
For Hessian art academies:
Lorna Lüers, Head of Public Relations and Communication
Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst Frankfurt
Phone: 069 154007-333, Mobil: 0160 97539687
Email: lorna.lueers(at)hfmdk-frankfurt.de
About HAW Hesse
HAW Hesse is the joint alliance of the five state-run universities of applied sciences and the church-run Evangelische Hochschule Hessen. It represents the interests of its members and collaborates with the Hessian Ministry of Science and Research, Art, and Culture, as well as with other universities in Hesse on important strategic issues. In May 2023, the Hochschule für öffentliches Management und Sicherheit joined the alliance.
