2023-05-31 21:12:00
The Greens and their favorite issues of climate protection and environmental policy are under pressure across Europe. Before the party congress in Vienna, the co-leader of the European Greens, Austrian MEP Thomas Waitz, criticized targeted fear-mongering from the right.
Die Presse: Four years ago it looked as if climate and environmental protection had entered the mainstream. At that time, the EU Commission presented its “Green Deal” with almost universal approval. Today, on the other hand, it is even questioned whether the use of pesticides should be reduced at all. Every climate or environmental issue is fought ideologically. Why?
Thomas Waitz: Four years ago there was such a strong civil movement on the streets that even politicians who pursue other interests found it difficult to take a public stand against it. However, we must also be aware that this transformation of our economy is calling the business models of big old companies into question. Those who make money from fossil fuels, or from agriculture that depends on large amounts of chemical inputs, want to keep doing that. The moment Russia invaded Ukraine, the insecurity among the population was shamelessly exploited to spread more fear.
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