The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra gives a concert on the Waldbühne
Source: dpa
Climate protection is often discussed from a technological and scientific perspective. The role of culture often goes unnoticed. But it can initiate social changes and bring climate protection to the center of public consciousness. The term “culture” encompasses more than art and religion – it also includes stories, traditions and values that shape coexistence. The cultural sector, from theater and cinema to museums and festivals, embodies this diversity and has the potential to be a driving force in ecological transformation.Experts are meeting in Hamburg today to talk about extreme weather and its consequences. It’s about developments in Germany, but also internationally and what effects that has.09/25/2024 | 2:38 minutes
Cultural sector and climate protection Berlin climate talks
The connection between the cultural sector and climate protection was discussed at the 25th climate discussion of the Climate Alliance Germany.
The artistic means, be it the song, the picture, the book, the film, can make a significant contribution to making people say: ‘This is an issue, we have to get involved in it.’
Claudia Roth, Minister of State for Culture and Media
However, artistic freedom should not be restricted, emphasized Minister Claudia Roth (Bündnis90/The Greens). Climate protection needs stories that inspire. Culture moves and inspires people. This could have a positive impact on the climate crisis, which is perceived as abstract and frightening. Films, plays or art exhibitions can raise awareness of environmental issues and encourage audiences to adopt sustainable lifestyles.
The non-profit initiative Planet Narratives, for example, has set itself the task of supporting filmmakers in incorporating the future of the planet into their stories.
We have the most important resource of all: attention.
Dr. Nicole Zabel-Wasmuth, Planet Narratives
Federal Minister Robert Habeck is in Emden today building the largest hydrogen production plant in Europe. But green hydrogen not only has to be produced, it also has to be distributed. Sep 19, 2024 | 1:39 minBut it’s not just climate protection that needs culture – the cultural sector also depends on climate protection. With every increase in temperature, the space for creative development shrinks, according to the Climate Alliance in its published report Discussion paper. Culture needs stable climatic and ecological conditions in order to thrive. Cultural institutions incur high costs for climate adaptation. Extreme weather like the recent flood can devastate cinemas, museums or historic buildings. Entire cultural sites like Venice are in danger of sinking into the sea. Climate change also has consequences for cultural origins. Climate-related migration is already a bitter reality. When people lose their homes, they also lose a piece of their culture and their traditions.
Floods of the century are becoming commonplace due to climate change. This is shown by the current floods in Eastern Europe. In Germany this time there will probably be no catastrophe, flood protection has been neglected for a long time.09/21/2024 | 4:37 minutes
Between commitment and development potential
But the cultural sector also shares responsibility. Success is linked to reach. Public mobility is the largest emissions factor in the industry and accounts for between 40 and 90 percent. For example, the Elbphilharmonie attracts an international audience who come to Hamburg via intercontinental flights.
The share of streaming in total emissions has also increased significantly in recent years. A study by the Shift Project think tank has calculated that these emissions could account for more than seven percent of global greenhouse gas production by 2025.
Climate protection often only plays a minor role on film sets and on theater stages. Initiatives like “Green Motion” have developed sustainability standards to change that. The newly created “Green Culture” contact point in Berlin also provides information on ecological transformation in culture and offers advice.
Advancing green culture in Germany is at the top of my cultural policy agenda.
Claudia Roth, Minister of State for Culture and Media
Critical voices emphasize that the contact point primarily aims to promote operational ecology. Key topics include, for example, energy efficiency, adaptation to climate impacts and the circular economy. The focus is not on cultural transformation as such.
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Source: ZDF
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