Lukas studies renewable energies in Cologne and has been a member of the Klimadelegation since 2018. He wants to combine the technical background of his studies with politics and pass this knowledge on to others.
Where does your interest in policy, politics and especially the elections to the European Parliament come from? What is your main motivation to engage yourself?
My interest in politics started very early. My family has always been politically active, we went to demonstrations and had many discussions. This is how I started building my own political opinion early on.
Since I consider myself a European Citizen, I am especially interested in the upcoming European elections. Decisions made in the European Parliament affect so many more people than decisions do just within our own country.
Climate Change is a global topic that needs to be faced internationally. Change within a few countries will not be enough. This is why I think we need to start acting as the European Union.
I want to contribute to the change I want to see in the world. This is why I became part of the Klimadelegation.
What are your concrete suggestions regarding climate change policy at EU level towards candidates to the European Parliament? What would a candidate need to promise you to make you vote for their party?
- Reduce the emissions of the energy sector.
- Tax the different sectors, especially the mobility sector, in a way that they must pay for their emissions.
- Reduce the amount of single use plastic.
- Reduce the consumption of meat and all other dairy products.
I know this list sounds harsh, but there is not just one element of the climate crisis. It is a number of things, that contribute together to our planet suffering. Many things must be changed in a short period of time. Otherwise we will destroy our basis of living. Politics needs to be made for the planet — not the economy. If only there was a party having this as their main goal, I would go vote for them immediately!
What are the “hot” topics regarding climate change in your country? How do they potentially affect the upcoming Elections?
I think there are a few hot topics in Germany. But it is very hard to rate them. I would say that the reduction of fossil energy is the biggest topic at the moment. With the movement around the “Hambacher Forst” and Fridays for Future this topic has become present in the minds of many people. I think that it will affect the outcome of the European election. I think and hope that many people realize that energy out of fossil fuels can’t be the future and will destroy our planet.
Maybe the literally “hot” summer last year will affect the election, too. Everyone heard many things about climate change but last summer people could actually feel the effects of a changing climate.
I think that these two topics will affect the election most. But in the next years there will be more topics which will affect the next elections. Mobility and consumption in general will be higher up on the agenda and I think that there will be a real change when we all realize what we are doing to this world. Hopefully it won’t be too late.
What should young people keep in mind while making their decision in the election to the European Parliament? What could they do if they do not yet have the right to vote themselves?
It is our future! We are the generation that will suffer the most from decisions being made today. Especially on topics affecting climate change. If the world won’t change their way of thinking now, we will have a lot of problems in the future. So, giving a vote is an easy way to change something. But even if you are not allowed to vote, which is stupid in my opinion, you are able to change the outcome of the election in a positive way. You can convince your parents, grandparents or older friends to vote in a way that helps our future! Change the European elections to climate elections. Everything is possible..
In your opinion, is giving a vote enough?
Giving your vote is essential for democracy, even though its effect doesn’t seem as relevant. All our votes together will make a difference. After the elections politician are obligated to fullfill the promises they made. Society and press need to look after this. There are many projects and movements which are happy about every helping hand. They organise great events and demonstrations to show that we all need to do more than just talking. It is one big step to change your own lifestyle to a more sustainable one. It feels good, trust me!
Thank you for the interview!
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