Lausitz Academy of the Future: Young minds debate structural change!

Lausitz Academy of the Future: Young minds debate structural change!

The Lausitz Future Academy recently took place in Lübbenau and presented exciting discussions and findings on the energy transition in the region over three days. 27 participants from Berlin, Brandenburg and Saxony between the ages of 18 and 27 took part in the event. These young people dealt intensively with the central question of how to successfully phase out coal without causing the economic decline of entire regions. The participants also discussed how ecological transformation, economic stability and social justice can be reconciled. The rbb24 reports that a varied program of workshops, lectures and simulation games was on the agenda.

Particular highlights of the academy were the excursions to important places of structural change, such as the Welzow-Süd opencast mine and the Schipkau solar park, as well as a construction site for the high-altitude wind turbine in the region. The aim was to explore the concrete consequences of change and to develop options 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 included 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 in focus locally, but also nationally and internationally. The report from Magazin Medien highlights the complex challenges that arise. The German printing industry is now internationally recognized 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 bridging technology are met with resistance. In addition, the EEG levy costs German households around 25 billion euros annually, which drives up energy costs and pushes some into energy poverty.

Recently in Europe there have been sad statistics about cold deaths reaching tens of thousands every year, especially in countries like England. In Germany, 7 million households are affected by high energy costs. There are many reasons for this, including the liberalization of the energy markets, which has existed since 1996 and has meant that the state no longer acts as a guarantor of energy supplies. The desire for more renewable energies is increasing, and a target of 50 percent renewable energies in gross electricity consumption by 2020 is ambitious.

Where does the path to climate neutrality lead?

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 reflect social and geopolitical developments. The Fraunhofer ISE also analyzes the energy industry, transport and other sectors at the federal state level, taking into account both technical CO2 sinks and the role of federalism in Germany.

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