Ahead of Berlin’s House of Representatives elections in September, climate activists are calling on politicians to show more ambition in the fight against global warming. At a protest in front of parliament, Fridays For Future activist Louise Neubauer said: “Berlin can be a city that inspires other cities, or a city that holds back.”
“Under current circumstances, Berlin’s 2030 climate protection targets will not be achieved,” said Felix Kreutzig of Scientists for the Future. The problem child remains traffic. This would require higher parking permit fees for residents, expansion of local public transport, investment in bike lanes and a zero-emission city center by 2035, he said.
Student: Sustainability should be part of teaching
Student Annkatrien Schwwirten from Fridays For Future Berlin also called for sustainable renovation of educational institutions, as well as renewable heat and energy by 2035. Jette Arndt from the Campus Renovate alliance at the Technical University spoke in favor of including the topic of sustainable development in teaching.
Katharina de Grille, from Midwives for the Future, said climate change and heat have serious health consequences. Therefore, disaster and heat protection plans, awareness campaigns and research are needed. “Protecting the climate is protecting health,” said the midwife.