13 Years after Rio – How far are we in achieving ecological generational justice in Europe

Presentation: Chairing
Date: 24 June 2005
Location: Berlin, Germany
Chairing: Markus Knigge

In environmental matters, modern society is living at the cost to future generations. This was the main issue discussed at the Young Leaders Congress 2005 "Ecological Generational Justice into the Constitution", which brought together more than 50 participants from all over Europe and beyond. At the event, Ecologic Fellow Markus Knigge chaired a panel discussion with Karsten Sach, Head of the Division for International Affairs in the German Ministry for the Environment, and Manfred Bergman, Head of the Unit for Evaluation of Transport, Environment and Energy in the European Commission, on where we are in achieving ecological generational justice in Europe.

After both speakers briefly outlined their personal points of view on the current state of environmental policy in Europe, the main issues discussed included the relationship between economic and ecological development, the interrelation between the European Union and the Member States and the role of Europe at the international level.

Demographic Change and Sustainability

A Generational Balance

Year 2008

Publication:Book Section

Within industrialised countries, oil is a crucial resource for economic success and social well-being. However, the exploitation of the last reserves of the "black gold" is increasingly leading to wars. At the same time, climate change is making energy efficiency essential. Though people have relied on crude oil since the beginning of the 20th century, this reliance will not be possible in the future.

Das Ende der Ölzeit

Year 2006

Publication:Book Section

In the future, increases in motorization and traffic capacity will no longer be synonymous with mobility. In particular, inhabitants in rural areas need to consider that short distance public transportation (ÖPNV) will be strongly reduced. The state now anticipates the problem of guaranteeing the public’s general interest in the principle of equal living conditions.

Leben ist Bewegung

Year 2006

Publication:Book Section

Nature conservation contributes significantly to preserving the natural heritage of Germany. However, conservation has been unable to stop biodiversity loss and the negative effects of intensive land use in such a closely populated country. In this chapter, Rainer Müssner shows how in times of demographic and social change, nature conservation has dangers as well as concrete options as to how to preserve the German cultural landscape.

Naturerbe – Eine Frage der Kultur

Year 2006

Publication:Book Section

Since 1950 about the same amount of land was taken into usage for settlement and transport as in the entire history in Germany before. Although the population is decreasing, increases in demand for improved living conditions and growing rates of single households will continue land development. While ecological disadvantages of urban sprawl were recognised long ago, there could also appear – under conditions of population decrease – devastating economic and social consequences.

Einsame Landschaften – Blühende Städte

Year 2006

Publication:Book Section

Which effects does climate change have on the infrastructures near coastlines? Who pays for social security programs in the future? Which potential energy sources are still to be used? Trying to ignore the problems behind these questions is not a sustainable solution.

Winchelsea

Year 2006

Project

Contributions to Generational Accounting to Assess Sustainability

Apr 2005 - Mar 2006

Publication:Book

Germany is facing great societal changes. In many regions, Germany’s population is shrinking, and work forces are decreasing. Demographic change is challenging Germany, leading to economic and social shifts and creating new social divisions in many regions and cities. While a growing population has long been understood as a threat to the environment, it is now clear that a shrinking population does not automatically improve the environmental situation. "The Bottom Line", edited by Volker Hauff and Günther Bachmann, with contributions from Ecologic and the Berlin-Institute, examines the assets and debts of Germany’s future inheritance.

Unterm Strich. Erbschaften und Erblasten für das Deutschland von morgen.

Eine Generationenbilanz

Year 2006

Organizer: Foundation for the Rights of Future Generations (FRFG), Germany
Chairing: Markus Knigge
Date: 24 June 2005
Location: Berlin, Germany
Language: English
Project: Contributions to Generational Accounting to Assess Sustainability
Project ID: 1887
Keywords: Evaluation

Generations, justice, environment, Rio, Europe

Further Links

ProjectContributions to Generational Accounting to Assess Sustainability

Contributions to Generational Accounting to Assess Sustainability

What does Germany’s frequently mentioned population decrease actually mean for sustainable development? How can social security systems, but also the provision of wastewater services and a functioning transport infrastructure be maintained within this context? Ecologic,... Read more

Contributions to Generational Accounting to Assess Sustainability

Duration: Apr 2005 - Mar 2006
Funding: German Council for Sustainable Development (RNE), Germany