"Cheers to serving as Environment Minister!" Could the environment be better after your term, Steffi Lemke?
Has the environment experienced improvements during your tenure, Steffi Lemke?
Steffi Lemke, ex-Environment Minister for the Green Party from Dessau, got her hands on the Federal Ministry of the Environment for the Greens for a whopping three and a half years. On May 6, she left her government seat in the Bundestag and moved to the opposition bench. However, on her last day in office, she kick-started the first National Marine Protection Conference - a move aimed at removing thousands of tons of toxic World War II ammunition from the North and Baltic Seas. As she stepped aside, she ensured a significant investment in marine conservation.
ntv.de: What prompted organizing the National Marine Protection Conference just before handing over to Carsten Schneider?
Steffi Lemke: Marine conservation is a crucial factor for our climate, global food supplies, and oxygen production. As Environment Minister, I made it my mission to finally address this pressing issue in federal politics. That's why the marine protection conference was an apt conclusion to my term.
Panorama: Drought's squeezing water prices - "Water will become more expensive" Any concrete strategies in the pipeline?
Submerged in history, we started the removal of World War II ammunition from the North and Baltic Seas. Decades-old ammunition is decaying, releasing toxic elements that are already causing harm to marine life. Now, funded and underway, it's an imperative step towards a cleaner environment. Furthermore, we've initiated the international high seas protection agreement, enabling the creation of designated marine protected areas in high seas - areas beyond the jurisdiction of individual states. Moreover, we've established a marine foundation at the German Federal Environmental Foundation, slated to receive around 500 million euros in grants - a secure source for the foreseeable future.
Why should we tackle ammunition now? Isn't it just causing no harm so far?
It's not about individual, harmless unexploded ordnance. It was simply discarded into the sea without consideration of long-term consequences post WWII. Now, as it erodes and decays, it releases harmful substances - evident in the mussels. A delay in removing them will cause further deterioration.
What's the future plan for the removed ammunition?
It's challenging to transport landlocked old ammunition to existing German facilities for destruction. Hence, a floating platform-based facility at sea has been proposed. Pioneering this worldwide, the initiative has generated significant interest.
"Natural Climate Protection" Program: 3.5 billion euros and counting! Has the environment improved?
The "Natural Climate Protection" program is designed to restore floodplains and wetlands, preserve old forests, and capture CO2 while retaining water in the landscape. Although it takes time to implement, it promises significant benefits for the environment in the long run.
Is money the sole factor in environmental protection?
Undeniably, yes. Environmentalists have long struggled for modest funding for nature and forest preservation. A substantial amount was rarely allocated, but now we have the resources required for "Natural Climate Protection." The environment is currently drying out in many areas. Soils are losing their capacity to absorb water, and the same goes for moors. A comprehensive approach is essential in "Natural Climate Protection."
Did your successor grab opportunities from your achievements?
The coalition agreement raises serious concerns about my successor's environmental and climate policies. While they may share big ambitions, the agreement seems to support harmfully environmentally-friendly subsidies instead. I've failed to see the connection between my colleagues and environmental crises such as the ones related to forests, water management, or drying moors.
Spotlight or Steadfast Action?
I preferred action over media attention as Environment Minister. I didn't crave the spotlight but envisioned making progress. Environmental successes don't materialize overnight; they demand slogging through thick boards, deep breaths, and unwavering determination. Now, as I head to opposition, I believe my successor should strive to build upon my achievements.
A heated populace and climate action?
Definitely, there have been disagreements in Dessau, my small hometown, over certain issues, such as the traffic light. Interestingly, there's also been support and understanding for the challenges I faced in decision-making. The final outcome, unfortunately, has been disappointing.
Narrowing climate protection to just ecological and technical aspects?
Upon reflection, it seems a mistake to consider climate protection in solely ecological and technical terms. It encompasses drinking water, food, and biodiversity. It's crucial to avoid neglecting such aspects, as climate protection faces active opposition worldwide, with fossil world entities attempting to sidestep the issues. Germany is unfortunately no exception.
Black-Red's climate protection plans critique by Merz
Even though the Greens had control over agriculture, food, climate, and economy ministries in the last legislative period, they didn't succeed in placing environmental issues at the forefront. While we achieved significant progress in expanding renewable energies and climate adaptation, water protection, and the circular economy, the challenges were often overshadowed by ongoing global crises like the Russian attack on Ukraine or the Hamas assault on Israel, and the dissolution of the FDP by Christian Lindner.
Concessions from the new government?
The new government should work diligently to bring the previously sidelined issues into focus and deliver tangible successes. Once they succeed, it will be fitting for the opposition to acknowledge and praise them.
Clara Pfeffer conversed with Steffi Lemke*. The conversation has been condensed for easy understanding and improved continuity. For the full conversation, you can listen to the podcast "Klima-Labor" on ntv.
- Steffi Lemke, in hertime asEnvironmentMinister, focused on implementing environmental policies that addressedclimate change, marine conservation, and environmental science, as seen in the National Marine Protection Conference and the "Natural Climate Protection" program.
- As part of her efforts to combat climate change, Lemke initiated the international high seas protection agreement and established a marine foundation, aiming to create designated marine protected areas and secure financial aid for the long term.
- In response to concerns about waste management and ammunition decaying in the North and Baltic Seas, Lemke spearheaded the removal of World War II ammunition to prevent further environmental harm caused by the release of toxic substances.
