The world only seems black. Fortunately, that is not the case; there are ways out of the crises. But they must be pursued more decisively.
A ghost is haunting Germany – the ghost of gloom. Within a few hours the entire world seems to have gone dark; certainties, stability and order seem to be collapsing everywhere. In America, the criminal divisive Donald Trump is coming back to power. The federal government is falling apart in Berlin. Putin’s warriors are on the rise in Ukraine. North Korean soldiers are now also fighting on the battlefield in Eastern Europe, and the war is becoming globalized. The German economy is tanking, share prices are collapsing, car manufacturers are announcing mass layoffs. The climate catastrophe is rapidly worsening; the 1.5 degree target has just been broken, as the EU climate change service reports. The images of the flood catastrophe in Spain illustrate with brutal force what lies ahead.
The situation is also dramatic: politically, economically, climatically. The reasons can be discussed for a long time, but one thing is certain: the fact that things have come this far is also because the wealthy societies of the West have ignored pressing problems for far too long. The growing division between the few rich and the many impoverished, the radicalization of the Kremlin regime, the machinations of digital companies, new technological trends such as e-mobility, the increasing populism and the increasing frustration of many people with the political elites, global warming anyway.
The situation is serious, but it is not hopeless. To bury your head in the sand now and wallow in world-weariness would be the wrong reaction. Not everything is dark. The vast majority in the country still consists of sensible, energetic people who can and want to get involved, who behave in solidarity and who are open to logical arguments. But this majority needs to become louder. Then you can build on them. Problems that seem insurmountable can be controlled if you look at them rationally and begin to develop concrete solutions step by step. Despite everything else it has screwed up: the traffic light government has pushed ahead with a number of things that the previous governments had neglected to do, such as the energy transition.
However, there is one thing that rightly annoys many people who think constructively: when they get the impression that decision-makers are not doing their job and are only pursuing their own self-interest for tactical or egoistic reasons. That’s why it’s good that the Germans can elect a new government. However, this shouldn’t be until March, but as quickly as possible. The problems are so big that they cannot be postponed.
How can investment in sustainable technologies help address environmental challenges and economic inequality?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and International Relations Expert, Dr. Elena Richter
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Richter. Your insights on global crises are always enlightening. We’ve been hearing a lot about how the world seems increasingly dark. Would you agree that we’re experiencing a moment of crisis across multiple fronts: politically, economically, and environmentally?
Dr. Richter: Thank you for having me. Absolutely, I would agree. The simultaneous crises we are witnessing—political instability, economic turmoil, and a rapidly deteriorating climate—can certainly make the world seem overwhelmingly bleak. However, it’s crucial to recognize that while the challenges are severe, solutions do exist.
Editor: You mentioned solutions. What do you see as viable avenues for addressing these crises?
Dr. Richter: First and foremost, we need decisive action. It’s not enough to discuss problems in theory; we need to mobilize resources and policies that can lead to real change. This includes investing in sustainable technologies to combat climate change, reforming economic structures to address wealth inequality, and revitalizing democratic institutions to counter divisive politics.
Editor: It’s interesting you bring up wealth inequality. Many argue that the richest in Western societies have ignored these pressing issues for far too long. How do you see this playing out in the current geopolitical landscape?
Dr. Richter: The growing divide between the wealthy and the impoverished is indeed a ticking time bomb. This disparity breeds discontent, making societies more susceptible to radical ideologies and political extremism. When economic well-being is concentrated in the hands of a few, it destabilizes not just nations, but international relations as a whole. Countries like Germany are facing internal strife, which reflects broader global tensions, including the aggressive posturing from Russia and North Korea.
Editor: You’ve mentioned the situation in Germany and broader European instability. How does this connect with the global dynamics we’re seeing this year?
Dr. Richter: Germany, as Europe’s economic powerhouse, often sets the tone for EU policy. With its economy faltering, we risk a domino effect that could destabilize the entire region. The return of polarizing figures like Donald Trump in the U.S. adds another layer of complexity—it’s a reminder that national interests can take precedence over global cooperation. If fragmentation continues unchecked, we may very well see a new kind of polarization: one that affects not just nations, but also alliances.
Editor: That sounds daunting. Given the images of recent climate catastrophes, like the floods in Spain, do you believe that environmental issues will catalyze a change in how these crises are approached?
Dr. Richter: I hope so. The climate crisis is one of the most urgent challenges we face, and it is also one that transcends national borders. The recent catastrophes highlight the need for collective action; they could serve as a wake-up call. If nations can come together in response to the climate emergency, it may foster collaboration across other critical issues—be it economic reform or political stability.
Editor: So, while there is a pervasive sense of gloom, you see the potential for unity and decisive action?
Dr. Richter: Exactly. The world might look black right now, but it isn’t devoid of color. There’s potential for innovation, collaboration, and renewed commitment to solve these crises. As we learn from past mistakes, we must harness the urgency of the moment to foster a more equitable, stable, and sustainable global community.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Richter. Your perspective reminds us that even in challenging times, there exists the possibility for meaningful change. It’s essential for everyone to recognize that we can’t afford to ignore these pressing issues any longer.
Dr. Richter: Thank you. I hope we can start a conversation that inspires action.