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In the heart of Germany, the cities of Bottrop, Gelsenkirchen, and Gladbeck have joined forces to tackle climate change. The "Climate City" team, established under the Technical Vice Mayor's department, is spearheading the city's efforts towards climate neutrality by 2024.

Helen Cammerzell leads the team, which includes experts like Sebastian Mika, Gerwin Conrad, and Klaus Müller. Mika, seconded to the city with a half-time position, serves as the link to the Emscher Genossenschaft and the Klima-Werk project. His thematic focus is the integration of water for climate adaptation, with watercourses and trees being the main focus areas.

Conrad, with experience in expanding electromobility, will focus on further expanding the charging infrastructure and advising companies. The team aims to be a driving force for a future-oriented and livable city.

The heat planning is a crucial part of the team's work, with the plan expected to be ready by the beginning of next year. This heat planning will serve as a basis for concrete measures, not just in Bottrop, but also in the collaborating cities due to shared gas and electric power suppliers.

Mika sees hydrogen as a potential solution for providing process heat for companies and as a climate-neutral fuel for vehicles. In line with this, an electrolyzer for hydrogen production is planned to be established in Bottrop.

However, the team has faced challenges. Important funding instruments have been discontinued, meaning only individual projects can be implemented in Bottrop. Müller hopes that similar programs will be reintroduced with the new federal government to make more progress.

The team's tasks include internal coordination and collaboration with external actors. Public participation is necessary for everyone's involvement, according to Klaus Rammert-Bentlage, who is responsible for the city's heat planning and coordinating hydrogen offerings expansion.

The "Climate City" team's work is based on the "Climate City" master plan, which commits to a path to climate neutrality by 2024. Initial projects have been implemented, such as the state program "Prima.Klima.Kirchhellen," free energy advice offers, and rainwater management "Am Lamperfeld."

Counselor Klaus Müller expresses confidence in a motivated team to address climate change challenges. The team will drive the climate city topic interdisciplinary and cross-departmentally. The city administration, beyond its various departments, is committed to climate neutrality as the overarching goal in all areas.

The team's efforts are not just about reducing carbon emissions, but also about creating a more resilient city. This includes measures for climate adaptation, such as the management of rainwater, which is crucial for a city's long-term survival in the face of climate change.

The "Climate City" team is a testament to Bottrop's commitment to a sustainable future. With its focus on hydrogen, electromobility, and climate adaptation, the team is set to make significant strides in the fight against climate change.