Isabel Pfeil is a candidate to the European Parliament for the German political party CDU (Christian Democratic Union Germany).
Where does your interest in politics and especially the elections to the European Parliament come from? What is your main motivation?
My interest in politics arose as a result of my election to the youth counselor in 2011 at the European Parliament, I am interested in the decisions, as they ultimately have an impact on the smallest cities in our environment and concern us all.
How does your candidature relate to climate change and youth? What are your concrete plans to bring the European Union on a path towards more climate action and reaching the aims of the Paris Agreement?
I would count myself as a youth, it affects me directly and I personally will do everything in peace and gratitude to be able to live with nature. I see nature as a kind of remedy in addition to the constant stress in everyday life. My thoughts would be to tax the kerosene of the planes to make flying more expensive. More importantly I would like the immediate refitting of the cruise ships and other freighters. Finally, plastic should generally be much more contained.
What are the “hot” topics regarding climate change in the upcoming elections?
Europe should become the model for the Paris Agreement. It is important for Germany to consistently pursue its greenhouse gas reduction strategy in order to achieve the climate goals set and to serve as a role model for others.
All sectors — from energy to industry, transport and construction to agriculture — must play their part in achieving the goals set out in the 2050 Climate Action Plan. The responsible federal ministries are currently working on concrete action plans. I think climate protection succeeds only if people feel taken.
The business community should seize the opportunity to be at the forefront of the market by developing innovations in environmental technology.
The share of renewable energies in the European energy mix should increase to at least 27 percent by 2030. The total energy consumption should be reduced by at least 27 percent
What should young people keep in mind while making their decision in the election?
Those who are most likely to represent their goals and which candidates they are most likely to understand and represent them finally.
In your opinion, is giving a vote enough?
It is very important to vote and then ideas should be translated into action. So that never something like we are currently seeing in England happens again. Every single person can be committed to what is important to him.
Thank you for the interview!