Winchelsea

Publication: Book Section
Citation: Kraemer, R. Andreas 2006: "Winchelsea", in: Volker Hauff and Günther Bachmann (eds.): Unterm Strich. Erbschaften und Erblasten für das Deutschland von morgen. Eine Generationenbilanz. München: oekom Verlag, 35-40.

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.

In this essay, R. Andreas Kramer writes about the ancient town of Winchelsea in Britain during the 13th century. Back then, it took three intense hurricanes before citizens moved their town to higher ground in order to mitigate effects from the storms. Today it is remarkable that society still tries to suppress its problems rather than to confront them. Coastal towns are already threatened today by climate change, and at the same time global warming emphasises problems surrounding our cultural landscapes. In addition, land use competition is intensified, rising the costs of energy and food.

Also, population decrease clearly shows the bad state of the social security systems. Thus, private old-age pensions are no longer secure due to high life expectancy and may go bankrupt.

This is clear: The longer solutions to problems are not utilised the greater damages will be, and adaptation will be more expensive.

This chapter by R. Andreas Kraemer is part of the book, Unterm Strich. Erbschaften und Erblasten für das Deutschland von morgen. Eine Generationenbilanz, which was written next to the project Contributions to Generational Accounting to Assess Sustainability.

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

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

Presentation:Chairing

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.