In the morning we had a nice breakfast in the CIEE hostel café. After our choice from an assortment of pastries, sandwiches and beverages, we headed over to a CIEE classroom to listen to a lecture from Charlotte Loreck, a consulting engineer at the Öko-Institute, a think tank that was founded in Freiburg during the anti-nuclear protests in the 1970s. For many years, Charlotte’s focus was on the nuclear phase-out, but now she’s a senior researcher for a study on accelerating the coal phase-out commissioned by the World Wildlife Federation. Taking IPCC figures and Paris Agreement goals as their parameters, Loreck and her associates calculated Germany’s total budget of GHG emissions for the electricity sector. Although Germany has made tremendous progress in implementing renewable energy (as high as 38%), it still relies heavily on lignite coal for an even larger share of electricity production. Under the budget scenario, the emissions from lignite and hard coal power plants are not sustainable. A planned phase-out is necessary. Loreck enlightened us about how the best case scenario in Germany of a 1.5 *C increase in temperature with 66% probabilistic guarantee can only be achieved if no more than 240 gigatons of carbon are produced. She also expanded on how the estimated impact of the release of 1,290 gigatons of carbon into the atmosphere by 2046 would result in a 33% probability of a 2*C temperature increase, which in turn would destroy many of Earth’s ecosystems and cause global unrest.
Next, Loreck talked about the Energiewende and the parties and individuals that had been playing critical roles in opposition and support of it. Touching on the challenges to the Energiewende, Loreck explained that Germany’s export of electricity is directly correlated to low-cost lignite coal production. The attempt by the minister of the economy and energy, Sigmar Gabriel, to introduce a Klimabeitrag, essentially a price on carbon, was not supported by Chancellor Merkel and therefore failed. Loreck broke the bill down into how the additional national climate fee, normal allowance price, and reduced hours of plant operation were extreme factors in why the reduction in production would not suffice for a positive impact on climate control. Following her PowerPoint we engaged in lively discussion about possible short and long term strategies that could help the German economy be less dependent on lignite coal. Most of the perspectives and ideas represented different approaches due to students’ American and capitalistic views. However, it always came back to Germany’s dependency on the production of coal and how investors were reluctant to take the risk on exiting the coal market.
Following a break after Charlotte Loreck’s lecture, we met with Mr. Paul Hockenos. Hockenos is an American writer, based in Berlin, who writes about European politics. He has worked in Berlin since 1989 and his articles have appeared in many established newspapers, including The Nation, Foreign Policy, The New York Times, and The Chronicle of Higher Education. He has also written several books including his most recent Berlin Calling: A Story of Anarchy, Music, The Wall and the Birth of the New Berlin (The New Press, May 2017). The class had already read some of his essays on the history of the Green Party and the Energiewende prior to his lecture and was eager to discuss some of the topics of which he had had outlined.
The lecture began with an analysis of how sustainability has become “integral in education.” Today, German students learn about how the mistake of an unsustainable past has made it necessary to pursue sustainability vigorously now. Then, he touched on how German politicians are not putting forth enough effort toward the movement of sustainability. This was disheartening to say the least, but also strangely inspirational. For even though Germany is experiencing political turmoil in regards to effecting positive environmental action, they still have a discussion, wherein multiple parties and voices are heard on real issues.
While Chernobyl confirmed German suspicions about nuclear power, Fukishima was the tipping point and resulted in the German decision to accelerate the nuclear phase-out–the last plant is supposed to close in 2022. The public since has supported the efforts of sustainable standards and implementation and now people are very aware and involved in the federal and municipal action plans. However, even with all that support, the government has turned its focus to topics like migration and terrorism, ignoring the connection to climate. Paul explains how the government needs to take on the challenges of climate change and promote sustainable efforts like a renewable grid system that has been discussed over the last couple of years. And although Hockenos was extremely critical of the acting government and Merkel in particular, it was interesting to hear his point of view as a journalist in Germany. Moreover, it was clearly evident to the entire group that environmental policy and politics intersected every aspect of life in Germany, so much so, that we were fortunate to have a nearly two hour discussion with a journalist who specialized in the topic.
Following his lecture, Paul opened up for questions about the drive he has for journalism, about German politics and sustainability. He discussed his interest in the new and/or upcoming coalitions and how exciting it would be to see their views moved to the forefront of the government. It was also helpful for us all to get a review of each and every party in the national German political arena. Paul Hockenos also brought along copies of his book, which he sold and signed for interested students.
Following the morning lectures students were free to travel throughout Berlin for the rest of the day. A group of us travelled to the Turkish Market which is held every Tuesday and Friday near the Spree river. The Market had everything from valuable collectables to multi-cultural foods. One fascinating thing that stood out in the market was the number of assorted mineral and rock articles and jewelry. It was interesting to see how minerals and earth deposits were so indicative of society, especially since Germany is the largest producer of lignite coal and has such an extensive history (mythological as well) with its relationship with nature and earth. Students were also amazed by the unique tools and fabrics exhibited in the market. The market was full of color and displayed a unique culture that students had not yet seen in Europe. And there were so many people! The market was full of people of all ages and different ethnicities, providing an example of how open and integrated the cultures and demographics of Germany truly are. It was a beautiful sight to see. And smell!!
After grabbing a couple of Turkish pizzas and some Turkish gifts for the trip back home, the group made its way to museum island. The island was full of museums that explained Germany’s extensive history. There were museums for art and music to culture and history that highlighted the eras of German excellence to museums of shame and misfortune that emphasized the struggling and perseverance against hardship and troublesome times in Germany. Students were able to tour the island and pop into some of Germany’s most famous museums. The architecture of the museums was astonishing. Some with a giant tower that held enormous bells. Others with pristine detail in their mythological references and historic symbols. It was truly a beautiful sight to see. The overall aura of the island was great. People enjoyed the fantastic weather. Musicians on every street with violins, guitars and other instruments. Teens hanging out on the steps of these massive buildings embracing the connection they have to their history. It seemed as though Museum Island did more than display art of the past. It painted a portrait of the present, Germany’s integrated society.
Jay
