Large Oktoberfest beer tents want to become 'climate neutral' by 2028

The largest beer tents at Munich’s famous Oktoberfest are to become "climate-neutral" within five years at the latest, reports newswire dpa. The association of Oktoberfest innkeepers said the target might even be reached by 2026. Operators of the 15 large tents will first determine their total CO2 output in order to then reduce it. Methods to cut emissions will include offsetting, a controversial strategy to reach climate targets. Reforestation in the region around Munich should create an Oktoberfest forest in the next few years, the association said.

This year's Oktoberfest takes place from 16 September to 3 October. Only three of the 15 large regular tents are so far considered climate-neutral operations, and four  participate in compensation projects, the association said. Activists have criticised corporate use of the term “climate neutral” as counterproductive greenwashing because it can deceive consumers, and can even delay effective climate action. Most such claims rely on so-called carbon offsetting schemes, a number of which have been shown to be useless. Carbon offsets allow companies to pay for the protection of trees, for example, and then claim that the CO2 they absorb compensates continued emissions, reducing their climate impact. Another problem with many “climate neutral” claims is that they only cover a small part of a company’s total emissions.

The innkeepers also said that every tent should offer at least one vegan dish, and increase the proportion of vegetarian dishes. Bavarian state premier Markus Söder, of the conservative CSU, recently decried initiatives to reduce meat consumption by insisting that “a forced veganisation of Germany and Bavaria makes no sense. A life without roast pork may be possible, but it's pointless”.