Berlin vote could turbocharge German capital’s climate plans

By FRANK JORDANS
Associated Press

BERLIN (AP) — Berlin voters on a proposal Sunday that would force the German capital to drastically ramp up its climate goals. The referendum calls for Berlin to become climate neutral by 2030, meaning that within less than eight years the city would not be allowed to contribute further to global warming. An existing law sets a deadline for achieving that goal at 2045, which is also Germany’s national target. The grassroots group that initiated the vote has received considerable financial support from U.S.-based philanthropists who say it could become a “model for the rest of the world.” Critics warn the proposal could come with a steep price tag.