Event report

What is the current state of play on climate change? Which projects are specifically planned at EU and national level? What’s behind “Fit for 55”? How do Berlin’s efforts in particular coincide with the European Green Deal? Where and how can one actively contribute as a citizen? In the light of the UN Climate Change Conference 2021 (COP26) in Glasgow, the Berlin Senate Administration for Culture and Europe, the Europe Direct Berlin and the Europa-Union Berlin held a hybrid discussion event on 28 October 2021, 18:00-20:00, on Pfefferberg (Schönhauser Allee 176, 10119 Berlin) on the fight against climate change at EU and national level. After the greeting from Mr Gerry Woop, State Secretary for Europe, spectators on site and on the screens already had the first opportunity to actively participate in the event directly through a live digital voting tool. The first picture of the mood showed that the viewers mainly combine concepts such as the future, climate justice, challenge, education and urgency with the topic of climate change. They consider climate change to be a personal issue and believe that they will be directly affected by the effects of climate change in the future. At the same time, they felt little informed about EU policies, such as the European Green Deal and in the personal environment, climate change would not yet be sufficiently addressed. Immediately afterwards, Prof. Jochem Marotzke of the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology gave a keynote speech on the sixth IPCC progress report on the natural sciences fundamentals of climate change, its causes and extent. Based on scientific temperature forecasts and possible emission scenarios, Prof. Marotzke stated that the temperature targets could only be achieved with a rapid and sustainable emission reduction. While the 1.5-degree target can only be achieved if CO2 emissions fall to net zero by the 2050s, net zero emissions would have to be achieved for the two-degree target at the latest in the 2070s. In all other calculated scenarios, the temperature targets would be badly missed. On the basis of this input, the panelists discussed the question of what measures should be taken at European, national and local level in order to stop climate change as quickly as possible. MEP Hildegard Bentele, member of the Environment Committee, reported on the Fit-for-55 package and the European institutions’ plans to revise the Energy Efficiency Directive and to strengthen renewable energies. She called for the development of rail transport (especially fast and night trains) and the sustainability of investments, e.g. in hydrogen technologies. With regard to the high energy consumption and the use of rare, finite raw materials for the production of digital products, attention should be paid to meaningful recycling. The potential of the circular economy should also be better exploited. Jens Kendzia of the Berlin Senate Administration for Environment, Transport and Climate Protection reported on the Berlin Senate’s efforts to be climate neutral by 2045. In 2018, as a result of a broad consultation process with citizens, the Berlin Energy and Climate Protection Programme 2030 was launched with 100 measures for more climate protection. For example, in the area of electricity generation, the last coal-fired power plants should be shut down by 2030 and replaced to a large extent by renewable energies, such as solar energy. Oil and gas would be abolished in the perspective. A Climate Citizens’ Council continues to focus on a close involvement of Berlin citizens. Overall, more dynamism is needed here in Berlin and decisions in the federal government and Europe with clear guidelines for climate protection. Dr. Amita Dame from the Climate Change Center Berlin Brandenburg pointed out that the decade by 2030 was crucial to achieving the climate targets. There is a need for a more coherent, political climate control at all levels. On the subject of mobility reversal, she advocates bans. The existing incentives are too weak to effectively bring about the switchover to public transport. Humanity doesn't have enough time. In ten years’ time, the budget has been spent and if nothing passes, the 1.5 degree target would not be achieved. One had to move from the level of discussion to the level of behaviour and application. She therefore pleads for more experimental spaces. Holger Holland, EU Climate Pact Ambassador 2021 and Chairman of the Board of Let’s Do it! Germany e.V. recalled that citizens are in a position to shape their future. However, it is important to raise awareness and ensure that they can participate in the processes. The “World Cleanup Day” is a first impulse. Anyone can do something. In addition, by 2045, climate neutrality in the EU could be achieved, for example, by bonuses and free public transport, as in Tallinn as an incentive, and the end of internal combustion engines as early as 2030. Marc Schwingel of Berlin’s BUND reported that climate protection had not been present in the media for a long time. It was only with the German phase-out of coal-fired electricity that the topic was put on the political agenda. Civil society engagement had played an important role here. He therefore calls on citizens not only to demonstrate, but also to participate in political processes. In order to improve the quality of life of inner cities, he also advocated the reduction of car traffic and the development of public transport and cycling routes. During the event, the 130 spectators on site and digitally had the opportunity to submit their discussions and inquiries. In particular, they were interested in policy and administrative opportunities to trigger additional measures at local level, such as: • Energy-efficient refurbishment of existing buildings while at the same time ensuring social compatibility of the costs • The inner-city traffic calming through less car traffic and the expansion of the public transport service • Orientation to best practice examples from other European cities (car-free Sundays, or a 30‘s zone in the city centre of Paris or the transition to a pure urban public transport offer through the expansion of car-sharing concepts such as Ljubljana) • The preservation, or the creation of green spaces in Paris city centre, or the transition to a purely urban public transport offer through the expansion of car-sharing concepts such as Ljubljana) • The preservation, or the creation of green spaces with the new apartment building in Paris, or the transition to a purely urban public transport offer through the expansion of car-sharing concepts such as Ljubljana) • The preservation, or the creation of green spaces with the new housing construction in Paris, or the transition to a purely urban public transport offer through the expansion of car-sharing concepts such as Ljubljana) • The preservation, or the creation of green spaces with the new housing construction in Paris, or the transition to a purely urban public transport offer through the expansion of car-sharing concepts such as Ljubljana) • The preservation and/or the creation of green spaces while building new homes • Citizens’ awareness through advice and incentives for participation opportunities, as well as changing the number of participants in the European Commission, were taken into account by the European Commission.