YouTopia: Together instead of against each other for the environment

Guest Post

There are certainly not many issues on which we can all totally agree. But as different as people and opinions – fortunately – are, we should agree on one point: A clean environment is better than a littered one – and clean air is good for us all. Unfortunately, our unity contains two fundamental problems. First: environmental protection does not work by itself. Second, there are always people who do more for it than others.

And this is exactly where the biggest problem of our time lies: What felt like a spirit of optimism for a long time, not least thanks to “Fridays for Future”, has given way to frustration and pessimism for many of us. 1.5 degrees, 2 degrees, time is of the essence. We can’t do enough, for some it even seems too late. The result is excessive demands and blame instead of mutual motivation. The feeling of doing something wrong or not doing enough anyway paralyzed us strangely, even though we actually need exercise right now. Many feel overwhelmed or constantly viewed critically. There are conflicts between groups and generations.

The fight against climate change is not a sprint

What we must not forget: The fight against climate change is not a sprint, it is rather an ultra-marathon. And it costs each of us strength, in very different ways. But what applies to all of us equally: Every step taken by an individual brings us all forward – no matter how small it is. Instead of constantly comparing ourselves, we should positively strengthen ourselves in what we are already doing (or could still do). If you are not only not cheered on during a strenuous run, but also insulted or booed, you will get out sooner or later. And we need each of us. What matters now more than ever is that we move on.

I realize that many now consider me naive. Of course I know that it is not enough if we all do without the to-go cup, but for many it is a first step. And if this step is appreciated and not dismissed as insufficient, it is more likely that further steps will follow. Only very few will completely turn their lives upside down, subordinate everything to sustainability and environmental protection. And that’s okay too, because as diverse as our society is, so are our perspectives, financial opportunities, knowledge, personal energy and motivation. But what definitely helps is to encourage each other.

I was able to experience this with the charity livestream YouTopia, which aims to do something for the environment together – and which will be on YouTube again from September 1st to 5th this year. A wide variety of characters come together there: people from environmental research talk to celebrities like Günther Jauch, influencers like RewinSide or Diana zu Löwen talk to Cem Özdemir and others from politics and star chefs show how to cook more environmentally friendly and recycle leftovers. We learn from each other, have fun, sometimes have different opinions, but despite the extreme situation – some of us live under the glass YouTopia dome and can be seen live there 24 hours a day – we don’t work against each other, but together.

We need a philosophy of small steps

If you bring different people together at one table, you get very different perspectives on the problems and challenges of our time – and with them ideas, suggestions, assistance.

We all experience the fight against climate change differently, doing some things well, others less well. What unites us is the desire for a happy future and a healthy planet. And apart from major political decisions and impending cuts, many small, individual steps lead us there, or at least in the right direction.

Whether vegan cooking ideas, a knowledge quiz, do-it-yourself instructions or political discussions – at YouTopia we want to provide numerous suggestions again this year on how you can actively contribute to more environmental protection – without comparing or forcing . YouTopia is for everyone, we are not climate heroes, we are normal people who want to take small steps in the right direction. This may not be enough for some, but it is just right for many – and if we all come together, we can take a lot of steps.

YouTopia 2021 will take place from September 1st to 5th in Cologne. The start will be broadcast live on RTL on stern TV. For five days the Creators live together under a huge dome in Cologne and stream non-stop live, for example. Prominent guests include Karl Lauterbach, Cem Özdemir, Tim Bendzko, Frank Thelen, Dorothee Bär, Aminata Touré and Olivia Jones. Günther Jauch has also announced that he will be a guest and will enrich the program with a quiz show.