EarthHour began on March 25, 2023 at 8:30 pm! 60 minutes of darkness are intended to send a clear signal for ambitious climate and environmental protection. Since 2007, millions of people, as well as companies, cities and landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, have been taking part in the symbolic...
Together with the Eurogroup for Animals and Animal Advocacy and Protection (AAP), we invited the European Parliament to a discussion on the topic of protecting wild animals through an EU positive list. This is about a scientifically based list for pets that are actually considered species-appropriate and...
Many appliances cannot be repaired - in times of resource scarcity, this is a real problem for nature and the climate. It's good that the European Commission is now introducing a statutory "right to repair"! But for repairing to really become more attractive than buying new, the...
Together with Sarah Wiener and other colleagues, I visited an agroecology farm on 21 March: they are working towards restoring soil health and reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers. This is an important step towards guaranteeing real climate protection and food security! And...
I was delighted to speak with students from Türkismühle Comprehensive School on the topic of the Supply Chain Act. Our interesting exchange was about how we can ensure that companies are held accountable for their impact on human rights and the environment in their supply chains.I really enjoyed the discussion with the students....
Our water is becoming scarce! We live on a planet with finite resources and a key one is our water - so we must do everything we can to avoid a fight over our drinking water. However, if we continue to be so wasteful with our water...
The Saarland branch of the Ecological Democratic Party (ÖDP) invited to the following event:Lost votes don't have to exist! Why we need another electoral law reformOnline event on Sunday 19 March 2023 from 17:00 to 18:30 with:Manuela Ripa, ÖDP, Member of the European ParliamentDr. Björn Benken, Institute for Electoral Law ReformSarah Händel, Federal Board Member at Mehr Demokratie e.V.Dr. Ulrich...
The traffic light federal government wants to approve an outdated EU decision that would force Germany to introduce a 2% electoral threshold for European elections. What's more, the decision, if confirmed by the Bundestag and Bundesrat, would override several rulings by the Federal Constitutional Court on the unconstitutionality of blocking clauses ("EU Electoral Act Approval Act").[1] A corresponding change to electoral law...
The dangerous PFAS chemicals are hidden in a variety of products, from raincoats to dental floss and fast food packaging. These harmful substances cannot be smelled, tasted or seen. Once in the environment, PFAS are extremely persistent. They are not only harmful to the...
At European level, we are currently negotiating a new law to reduce the use of pesticides in European agriculture, and today the report was presented in the lead committee. However, the negotiations are going very slowly. The reason for this is that the proposal for a new EU pesticide regulation has met with fierce criticism from...