TIROLER TAGESZEITUNG, editorial: “The calm after the storm” by Matthias Christler

2023-09-15 20:00:36

Edition from Saturday, September 16, 2023

Innsbruck (OTS) – At the height of the climate strikes, tens of thousands marched through Innsbruck. Although time is of the essence, interest is waning. It’s not “Fridays For Future” or the “Last Generation” that’s to blame, but rather the lack of idols.

It would be time once again for history to be written for the environment in Austria. Just like 60 years ago, when the local branch of the WWF was founded and later helped to prevent the Danube power plant in Hainburg. Or like 45 years ago, when the Zwentendorf nuclear power plant was shut down after massive protests from “green” citizens. Or how Greenpeace became active in Austria 40 years ago, the organization whose supporters put their lives at risk for the environment – the ship “Rainbow Warrior” sunk by the French secret service is a sad symbol of the fight of environmentalists against the interests of politicians. And 2023? The year in which wildfires, floods and other disasters are almost part of everyday news – there is a lot of discussion about the climate, but the wrong questions are being raised. When it comes to actions by the “Last Generation” the only question is: Can civil disobedience go so far? And with “Fridays For Future” you often hear: Is the hype over?

Five years ago, Greta Thunberg skipped school for the first time to strike for the climate. She positioned herself as a figurehead for a new generation of environmentalists. At the height of the protests in 2019, 20,000 people marched through Innsbruck. It was like a storm that swept through the streets and woke people up. But now calm has returned. The corona pandemic slowed down the movement. In 2020, 1,000 people came together in Innsbruck, a year ago there were 650, this time a little more. “Fridays For Future” is older and broader. Parents and researchers support the causes, including “Grandmas For Future”. There were only a few students on site in Innsbruck yesterday. Either they are not interested in the fight against climate change. Hard to believe. They tend to lack hope of being able to make a difference. The way climate protection is approached in Austria is also a brake on motivation.

It is not enough to set up a climate council. And the 93 recommendations in the drawer disappear.

It’s not enough for a young Austrian ski professional to advocate for sustainable sport. Little comes from the big stars that young people look up to.

It is not enough for politicians to exchange ideas with the Fridays demonstrators. But the climate stickers are pilloried and pushed into the criminal corner.

In Austria there are good approaches and many people who could change something. What’s missing are the figureheads, real idols from all parts of society who lead the way. To ignite a new storm again because climate protection simply cannot be allowed to calm down.