BUND sees environmental protection jeopardized by the rise of populists

The environmental association BUND has warned of serious consequences for climate and nature conservation due to the rise of populist parties. Europe is at a crossroads with the elections on June 9. "Democracy, the existence of the EU and the possibility of effective environmental protection would be existentially endangered if populist parties were to have a decisive influence on European policy after the European elections," warned Felix Ekardt, head of the association, at the weekend after a delegates' meeting in Dresden. More and stronger EU environmental policy is needed, not less. "The future European Parliament must push ahead with the European Green Deal more resolutely and not water it down." This includes a complete phase-out of fossil fuels in order to meet the commitments of the Paris Climate Agreement.