- Local elections preparations underscore persistent concern over climate emergency
In the lead-up to elections in various eastern German regions, environmental groups are pressing parties to take firm action against climate change. As per a letter obtained by German Press Agency in Berlin, the letter starts by saying, "Regardless of its absence in the campaign, it's not just the social temperature that's high, but also the global one."
The letter is directed towards all democratic parties in Saxony, Thuringia, and Brandenburg. According to Fridays for Future, this letter should be delivered to the state divisions of CDU, SPD, Greens, FDP, Left, and BSW. Signatories include Fridays for Future Germany, the local divisions of the organization, German Environmental Aid, and Scientists for Future Leipzig.
Signatories: Only a prudent stance on the climate emergency
The letter starts by mentioning, "This election is happening amidst a record-breaking summer heatwave." The consequences of the climate crisis are already being felt in the three states. "Wildfires in Lieberoser Heide and Saxon Switzerland, decreasing water levels in the Spree, the Elbe, and throughout Thuringia, a severe forest decay in the Ore Mountains and the Thuringian Forest."
The only rational stance on the climate crisis, according to the signatories, is: "It's real, it's human-induced, and we have the means to manage it effectively. To bank on climate change denialism during the 2024 election campaign, to align with far-right extremist views, and to provoke hostility towards climate protection measures is not only imprudent but also detached from reality." It falls upon political parties to combat climate change and foster acceptance for solutions.
The petitioners demanded a prompt departure from fossil fuels and a swift expansion of renewable energies, in addition to an increase in public transportation. "The climate crisis will not diminish in threat just because politicians think that climate change is not a popular topic during election campaigns."
Elections are taking place in Saxony and Thuringia this Sunday, and in Brandenburg on September 22.
The letter addressed to democratic parties in Saxony, Thuringia, and Brandenburg urges them to acknowledge the climate crisis, as signatories like Fridays for Future Germany and German Environmental Aid believe that denying climate change and aligning with far-right views is imprudent and detached from reality. The Landtag in these regions must prioritize a swift transition away from fossil fuels and invest in renewable energies to combat the ongoing climate crisis, as elections approach in Saxony and Thuringia this Sunday, and in Brandenburg on September 22.
