Greens in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Highlight Baltic Sea Protection at State Conference
Green-J party makes the Baltic Sea the focus - conference in Güstrow discussion underscores its importance - Green Party Shifts Focus to Baltic Sea - Güstrow Party Congress Highlights Baltic Sea Concerns
The Green Party in Mecklenberg-Vorpommern convened its state delegates' conference in Güstrow on Saturday, focusing on the protection of the Baltic Sea. The conference's guiding motion, titled "Baltic Sea in Transition: Protecting Habitats, Securing Peace," will be discussed and voted upon by around 100 delegates.
State party leader Ole Krüger emphasized the significance of the Baltic Sea, particularly in the context of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's coastline. He stated that the sea is currently undergoing numerous threats, including disruptions caused by excessive nutrient inputs, rising sea levels, and increasing risks of storm surges due to climate change. Offshore wind farms offer potential for mitigating climate change, but may affect wildlife. Furthermore, security in the Baltic Sea region is being compromised by decaying shadow fleets and sabotage attacks on underwater cables.
Krüger criticized the current state government for not doing enough toaddress these issues. He advocated for expanded natural flooding areas and more rigorous measures to reduce nutrient inputs, particularly from agriculture, for effective water management. Despite accusations of being a party of bans, Krüger underscored the importance of coastal fishing and sustainable agriculture in the Greens' environmental policy.
The Green Party considers Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, as a coastal state, to have a particular responsibility for addressing these issues. Climate change and security challenges must be addressed together, according to the guiding motion.
The Greens received 6.3% of the votes in the 2021 state election, securing them a return to the state parliament with five members after a five-year absence. In the federal election earlier this year, they received 5.4% of the vote, currently hovering between 5% and 7% in voter surveys. To return to the state parliament, the Greens need at least 5% of the vote.
Measures for Effective Water Management
Efforts to protect the Baltic Sea often involve reducing nutrient inputs, promoting renewable energy, enhancing marine conservation, engaging in international cooperation, and public awareness and education. These strategies address the degradation of the Baltic Sea ecosystem and contribute to its long-term sustainability.
- Vocational training in environmental science, specifically focusing on climate change and the Baltic Sea, should be advocated for in EC countries to better equip the workforce in combating these pressing issues.
- In light of the discussion on Baltic Sea protection at the recent state conference of the Green Party in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, it's crucial that politics prioritize environmental-science research and policies, particularly in areas dealing with water management and general-news issues like climate-change.
- As part of the Greens' comprehensive environmental policy in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, there should be an emphasis on vocational training programs for skilled workers in areas such as wind farm construction and maintenance, to ensure minimal impact on wildlife while promoting offshore wind as a means to mitigate climate change.
