Several environmental associations want to prevent the planned gas extraction in the German North Sea – with lawsuits and political pressure. They see a Green minister in particular as having a duty to do so.
Climate activists are calling on the federal government to stop the gas extraction off the North Sea island of Borkum, which Lower Saxony has just approved. Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck (Greens) must end the project, demanded Greenpeace, Fridays for Future and the German Environmental Aid. “If he is serious about climate protection, he must show his colors now,” said Mira Jäger of Greenpeace.
Fridays for Future activist Luisa Neubauer said it was not just about a single gas field, but a fundamental question in the climate crisis. Politicians must show whether they are on the side of climate goals and nature conservation or on the side of fossil fuel companies. “Who makes the rules for our energy transition? The profit interests of a foreign gas company or our own elected government?” asked Neubauer, announcing that she would bring the issue into the federal election campaign if necessary.
Environmental Aid announces further lawsuits
In an open letter to Habeck and Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), Greenpeace and Umwelthilfe, as well as the environmental organizations Nabu, BUND and the German Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union, wrote that the credibility of the energy transition and German climate policy was at stake.
The environmental organization also announced further legal action against the gas project. “We will continue with our lawsuits,” said Constantin Zerger of the organization. However, courts should not be the ones to clean up after misguided policies. Activist Neubauer also said that she does not think much of political decision-makers hiding behind court rulings.
Habeck wants to wait for court rulings
On Wednesday, the responsible Lower Saxony state office granted the Dutch energy company One-Dyas an 18-year permit for the controversial drilling. The drilling is to extend from the Netherlands under the seabed into German territory near the Wadden Sea National Park. However, an agreement between Germany and the Netherlands is also required for gas extraction.
Economics Minister Habeck had stated that he wanted to wait for possible court decisions. Only when the relevant rulings have been made will a decision be made as to whether the agreement with the Netherlands will be signed. The impact of the comparatively small gas field on energy security or prices is minimal at best. “And it is a very, very sensitive ecological area,” said Habeck.
On Friday (12 noon), Fridays for Future will demonstrate against the gas project in front of the Federal Ministry of Economics in Berlin.
Source: Stern
