The Climate Citizens’ Assembly met from April 26 to June 23. With the help of experts, the 160 members of the Citizens’ Assembly familiarized themselves with the requirements of climate protection and addressed the question of how Germany can achieve the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement – taking into account social, economic and ecological aspects. The results of this work and the agreed guiding principles and recommendations for action were presented today. The measures for a responsible climate policy adopted by large majorities are intended to guide the politicians in the Bundestag in their coalition agreements after the 2021 general election.
The Humanist Association of Germany (HVD) is one of the supporters of the Climate Citizens’ Council and welcomes the results. Erwin Kress, spokesman for the association’s board, sees the work of the Citizens’ Council as an important example of a democratic process: “Democratic decisions need information and time for consideration. Voting on the Internet and going to the ballot box are by no means enough for democracy. As citizens, we need to be given the necessary information. But we must also have the time to take note of it, examine it and evaluate it together with others. The people on the Climate Citizens’ Assembly had precisely these opportunities. That is why the recommendations they have now drawn up are particularly important.”
One of the most important results is that the 1.5 degree target must have top priority. Climate protection is a human right and must be included in the German constitution. In addition, guidelines and measures were agreed on in the fields of energy, mobility, buildings and heating as well as nutrition. All recommendations for action can be found on the Climate Citizens’ Assembly website.
“Politicians cannot be experts on all issues,” says Kress. “We therefore appeal to political decision-makers to be guided by the thoroughly developed positions of the Climate Citizens’ Assembly. There is no more time for carelessness and imprudent experiments.” The Humanist Association of Germany is committed to firmly anchoring climate protection as a humanist value in its association culture and is currently working on a nationwide mission statement for environmental and climate protection.
