ADAPTATION GUIDE

Q & Adaptation-Guide answer:

Nothing in education is so astonishing as the amount of ignorance it accumulates in the form of inert facts.

 - Henry Brooks Adams 

 I think that from the beginning, those with education knew that Frau von der Leyen would not stand behind  the "Green Deal". Am I wrong?

A.G.:Ursula von der Leyen and the "Green Deal"

Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, presented the European Green Deal as one of her main priorities when she took office in December 2019. The Green Deal aims to make Europe climate neutral by 2050 (Uschi von der Leyen would be between 90 and 100 years old by then!) and includes a series of measures and initiatives to promote sustainability and environmental protection.

Skepticism and Criticism

There are various reasons why some people might be skeptical about von der Leyen's commitment to the Green Deal:

• Political and Economic Interests: Critics might argue that political and economic interests take precedence over climate goals. In the past, there have been instances where economic considerations have weakened environmental measures.

• Implementation and Progress: The implementation of the Green Deal requires significant changes in many areas, including energy, agriculture, transportation, and industry. Progress can be hindered by bureaucratic hurdles, national interests, and resistance from interest groups.

• Lobbying and Influence: The influence of lobbying groups, particularly from the fossil fuel industry, could undermine the effectiveness and commitment to the Green Deal.

In 2019, a "Green Wave" swept across Europe, capturing the imagination and support of people from all walks of life. 

There was a palpable sense of urgency and possibility, with a collective push towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. 

However, the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with skyrocketing living costs and geopolitical upheavals such as Putin's invasion of Ukraine, has significantly dampened this enthusiasm.

And the E.U. President tried to strike a balance between "Right" and "Left." The EU has already made tweaks to the Green Deal, with more to follow. 

Von der Leyen herself now wants to initiate a "Clean Industrial Deal" to help reduce the relatively high European energy costs. Moreover, the debate over the "combustion engine ban," the regulation that only CO2-neutral fuel vehicles will be allowed from 2035 onwards, is not over yet.

Who voted for this woman? Everyone who was aware that the German is the "greenest" Commission President they could get. 

What a disgrace! 

Humans will have to adapt and evolve or become extinct. And while the European People's Party has time until 2050, we will act now!

Here are some practical steps we can take to conserve energy and make a tangible difference:

1. Stop Idling Engines: Reducing unnecessary idling can significantly cut down on fuel consumption and emissions.
2. Tax Luxury Gas-Guzzling SUVs: Implementing higher taxes on inefficient vehicles can incentivize the adoption of greener alternatives.
3. Ban Diesel Cars: Phasing out diesel vehicles can reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Curtail Private Jet Use: Limiting the use of private jets, which are disproportionately harmful to the environment, can have a positive impact.
5. Promote Trains: Encouraging train travel over short-haul flights can reduce carbon footprints.
6. Combine Errands to Save Gas: Simple lifestyle changes, like combining errands, can lead to substantial fuel savings.
7. Wash Clothes and Dishes in Cold Water: Using cold water for washing is a small change that can lead to significant energy savings.