The Greens And Our Rising Environmental Consciousness

Because Germany and her people are concerned with environmental health, many strides have been made in improving the country’s richness in resources. And it has been vital to protect for many reasons.

Surrounded by industrial nations, many pollutants enter the country on the breezes, via the rivers and with the rain. The autobahn offers a path for thousands of automobiles on their way to numerous vacation spots both within Germany and without.

Germany’s own factories have been a source of pollution, as well as agricultural development and the “necessary” pesticides. But don’t despair. I don’t intend to paint a black picture. Many improvements have been made. And Die Grünen a.k.a. The Greens have assisted in many ways.

The Green Party (also known as the ecologist party) have as their basic principles not only social justice, nonviolence and a desire to do away with nuclear power, but also a large stress on environmentalism. These principles are known as Green politics.

It has taken years for the Greens to reach the nationwide popularity they have achieved today.

To really be considered in the running as a political party, the contenders need to reach at least 5% of the vote. In 1983, the Greens crossed this threshold. They attained 5.6%. In the national election of 1987, they won 8.3%.

And why has their popularity grown recently? Predominantly due to the nuclear catastrophe in Japan.

As The Greens carried forward their causes, it became clear their major priority was handling environmental concerns, including ending the use of nuclear power as an energy source. This elicited environmental awareness across the country.

They have had their ups and downs, of that there is no doubt. For example, in 1990 they only got 4.8% of the vote and no seats in the Bundestag. However, this didn’t stop them. They were back with a larger 7.3% in 1994. And reached an all-time high in 2009 with 10.7% of the vote.

Now The Greens are the strongest party after the recent elections in Baden-Württemberg. Plus, they are on their way to become Germany’s second largest party.

The current environmental issues in Germany consist of everything from acid rain, air pollution from coal-burning utilities and Baltic Sea pollution to hazardous waste disposal issues and river pollution. These areas must be addressed and the Greens know it.

Now to compete with this ecologically minded party in Germany, others must jump on the bandwagon and start making a difference. And a whole “eco-industry” has formed to make environmentally friendly equipment, devices, and cars.

As The Greens have balanced ideals, they have won many German hearts. And we are sure to see more of them with seats in the Bundestag as they continue to lead the way in the areas of renewable energy, consumer rights, and environmental consciousness.

—Marcus