Future Academy Lausitz: Young heads debate structural change!

Future Academy Lausitz: Young heads debate structural change!

Lübbenau, Deutschland - In Lübbenau, the Future Academy Lausitz recently took place, which presented exciting discussions and knowledge about the energy transition in the region for three days. 27 participants from Berlin, Brandenburg and Saxony took part in the event between the ages of 18 and 27. These young people dealt intensively with the central question of how to get out of coal without the economic descent of entire regions. In addition, the participants discussed how ecological transformation, economic stability and social justice can be reconciled. The rbb24 reports that A varied program of workshops, lectures and schedule on the plan.

Special highlights of the academy were the excursions to important places of structural change, such as the open-cast mine Welzow-Süd and the Solarpark Schipkau, as well as a construction site of the height wind wheel in the region. This was about exploring the concrete consequences of change and developing the opportunities for the future. A result of a survey on structural change initiated by the DGB youth shows that over 1,700 young people surveyed feel little involved in the decision-making processes and almost 90 percent are not sufficiently informed. More than a third would like to stay in Lusatia, while almost 40 percent are still undecided.

The challenge of the energy transition

The energy transition in Germany is not only locally, but also nationally and internationally in focus. The report by Magazin Medien illuminates the complex challenges that arise. The German printing industry is now recognized internationally for its sustainable media production and energy efficiency. Nevertheless, there is a lot of criticism: CO2 certificates and the use of coal power as a bridge technology encounter resistance. In addition, the EEG surcharge costs German households around 25 billion euros annually, which drives the energy costs up and some of them are partly in energy poverty.

Only recently there were sad statistics in Europe about the cold deaths that reach tens of thousands every year, especially in countries such as England. In Germany, 7 million households are affected by high energy costs. The reasons for this are diverse, including the liberalization of the energy markets, which has existed since 1996 and led to the state no longer acting as a guarantee of energy supply. The desire for more renewable energies increases, and a target of 50 percent renewable energies in gross electricity consumption by 2020 is ambitious.

Where does the path lead to climate neutrality?

In order to achieve the climate goals, a comprehensive analysis of the energy systems is necessary. A study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE examines how Germany can become climate -neutral by 2045. As part of this study, various scenarios were developed that map social and geopolitical developments. The [Fraunhofer ISE] (https://www.ise.fraunhofer.de/de/veroeffungungen/studien/wege- zu-lein-klimaneutralen-energiesystem.html) also analyzes the energy industry, traffic and other sectors at the state level, considering both technical CO2-SENKEN as well as the role of federalism in Germany.

Overall, the Future Academy in Lübbenau shows that the path to the energy transition and climate neutrality offers many challenges, but also numerous opportunities. If it is possible to actively involve young people in this process, this could be crucial for creating a sustainable and just future for the entire region.