Associations ahead of state elections: don't forget the "climate crisis"

Ahead of the elections in several eastern German states, environmental organizations are calling on parties there to take decisive action against global warming. "Even if it has not been reflected much in the election campaign so far, it is not only the social climate that is heating up, but also the global climate," reads a letter obtained by the German Press Agency in Berlin.

It is addressed "to all democratic parties in Saxony, Thuringia and Brandenburg". According to Fridays for Future, it should be sent to the state associations of the CDU, SPD, Greens, FDP, Left and BSW. The signatories include Fridays for Future Germany as well as the respective state associations of the organization, Deutsche Umwelthilfe and Scientists for Future Leipzig.

Signatories: Only a reasonable position on the climate crisis

"These elections are taking place in the midst of a record-breaking summer of heat," write the signatories. The consequences of the climate crisis have long been felt in the three federal states. "Forest fires in the Lieberoser Heide and Saxon Switzerland, falling water levels in the Spree, the Elbe and throughout Thuringia, dramatic forest dieback in the Erzgebirge and the Thuringian Forest."

There is only one sensible position on the climate crisis: "It is real, it is man-made and we know and have the tools to limit it effectively. Making a serious name for yourself in the 2024 election campaign with anti-climate populism, moving closer to far-right positions and actively campaigning against climate protection measures is not only irresponsible, but also ignores reality." It is the responsibility of political parties to curb climate change and create acceptance for solutions.

The senders called for a rapid phase-out of fossil fuels and a rapid expansion of renewable energies and more public transport in rural areas. "The climate crisis will not become less threatening just because politicians think that climate protection will not win as many votes during the election campaign."

Elections will be held this Sunday in Saxony and Thuringia and on September 22 in Brandenburg.