Climate Congress in Waiblingen: Minister Walker calls for energy transition!

Climate Congress in Waiblingen: Minister Walker calls for energy transition!

An important climate conference took place in Waiblingen this week, at which State Environment Minister Thekla Walker from the Greens spoke about the challenges and opportunities of climate protection. The ecological energy transition and the necessary transformation from fossil to renewable energies were particularly discussed. The event was well attended and conveyed to participants the urgency of understanding the human influence on global warming and being able to actively counteract it. ZVW reports that a strong sense of community was palpable as numerous stakeholders came together to discuss strategies to reduce CO2 emissions.

The Climate Congress comes at a time when awareness of climate change is constantly growing. In keeping with Walker's commitment, local initiatives are also being increasingly supported. Less than a month ago, on May 17, 2023, Walker had already awarded 41 municipalities with the European Energy Award (eea) at the municipal climate congress in Baden-Württemberg. This award honors cities, municipalities and districts that are actively and sustainably committed to climate protection. KEA-BW informed about the details of the award ceremony in Karlsruhe, where, among others, the districts of Karlsruhe and Rottweil received the gold award.

Award for climate protection

A total of 181 cities and districts in southwest Germany took part in the European Energy Awards process, with the number of participants doubling in the last ten years. 16 municipalities have entered the climate protection process since the beginning of 2022, which shows that interest in sustainable solutions is increasing. The high award was given to municipalities that achieved at least 75% of the maximum possible points.

Particularly noteworthy is the district of Karlsruhe, which achieved the best result of a district in Baden-Württemberg with 84% of the possible points. The city of Tübingen is aiming for climate neutrality by 2030, which is supported by a comprehensive climate protection program. According to ZVW Participation in the European Energy Award is financially supported by the Climate Protection Plus program of the Ministry for the Environment, Climate and Energy, so that many municipalities have the opportunity to make their contribution to climate protection.

Commitment at the community level is crucial to implementing climate action and the awards show that progress is being made. In view of current developments and the ongoing challenges, it is all the more important that we continue to invest in the future and continue to work on innovative solutions in order to achieve the climate goals.