Following the European Union elections - Right-wing populists pose a threat to the battle against the climate crisis, according to Germany's Federal Environment Agency.
Dirk Messner, head of the Federal Environment Agency (UBA), believes that right-wing populists and authoritarian governments worldwide are jeopardizing the battle against climate change. He stated in an interview with the German Press Agency that a shift to the right in Europe, a new Republican presidency in the US, and an authoritarian regime in China would make it impossible to implement climate neutrality and improve our ecological and economic performance. He stressed the need for global cooperation, stability in the world order, and its continued development to combat the climate crisis. In order to attain global climate neutrality, a transformation is required. "It's not just about setting individual limits, offering incentives, or imposing bans, but about restructuring sectoral frameworks, and aligning the economy and consumption patterns towards sustainability."
50% of People Agree on Climate Action
In 2015, close to 200 countries agreed at the World Climate Conference in Paris to minimize global warming to 1.5 degrees compared to pre-industrial times. This can only be achieved by reducing emissions of harmful greenhouse gases by more than 40% by 2030. The Earth has warmed by approximately 1.1 degrees, and Germany by 1.6 degrees.
Messner pointed out that the UBA collaborates with all democratically elected parties. However, some are quite critical of their issues. The far-right AfD emerged as the strongest force in eastern Germany during the European elections on Sunday.
He pointed out that, like in politics, there are individuals in Germany who deny climate change and its effects. "However, around 90%, or roughly 90%, of the population understand that a shift to climate neutrality is essential and urgent," he said. This belief has remained constant for the last 15 years.
To interact with various people, the Federal Environment Agency is organizing a citizens' festival at its headquarters in Dessau-Roßlau on Saturday (June 15) to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
