Ms. Günsel, Ms. Laßmann, you brought a wheel of fortune to the interview. Are you saying that climate protection is a game of chance?
Inge Günsel: (laughs) Our main aim with the wheel of fortune is to make people aware of our topic. We always have the wheel of fortune at public events; every visitor can spin it once and answer a question about climate protection. There are small prizes to be won.
Daniela Laßmann: I would actually say: No, quite the opposite! Climate protection is not a question of luck or fate - it's more a question of everyone having to take concrete action.
The USA has withdrawn from the international climate protection agreement, the polar ice caps are melting and we are witnessing the emergence of an Arctic sea. Be honest: do you sometimes feel frustrated that you can only promote climate protection for the district of Ludwigsburg?
Inge Günsel: If I'm completely honest - sometimes yes. But if you let that discourage you, you lose focus on the essentials. And for me, the most important thing is that we improve things and help to initiate climate protection projects.
Daniela Laßmann: Even the biggest global climate targets can only be achieved if they are implemented in small units - i.e. locally.
Is your working motto "Every little helps"?
Daniela Laßmann: Ludwigsburg is one of the largest districts in Germany. I wouldn't describe what happens here as small livestock. A large proportion of CO-2 emissions are caused by private households - it's about keywords such as energy efficiency, construction, renovation and much more. And if you can get people to understand that an improvement doesn't automatically have to mean doing without, you've already gained a lot.
Inge Günsel: When it comes to climate protection on the ground, you certainly sometimes feel like a drop in the ocean. But even the largest ocean is made up of many individual drops!
It is often said that climate protection starts in our everyday lives. Some, on the other hand, have the impression that climate protection is an issue for "big politics". Your work at district level puts you pretty much right in between. Is that more of an advantage or a disadvantage?
Inge Günsel: I think that's a big advantage. We are very close to people's everyday lives and know how to get them on board for climate protection. Every CO-2 saving has to do with everyday decisions: Do I drive or cycle to work? Do I buy a plastic coffee-to-go cup or do I bring a reusable cup?
Daniela Laßmann: We are the local interface without which climate protection would not work. We work closely with the Ludwigsburg Energy Agency (LEA), providing information, advice and workshops. We also provide advice and support to local authorities and companies.
What climate targets has the district actually set itself? And when will it achieve them?
Inge Günsel: The fact is that we as a district want to become completely climate-neutral by 2050. We still have a lot of work ahead of us.
Daniela Laßmann: The district has reduced CO-2 emissions from its own properties by around two thirds in recent years - the current figures are still being compiled. It should also be mentioned that the district administration has converted around half of its vehicle fleet to e-cars - that's 20 vehicles. A lot has definitely been done - and this is set to continue.
Contact details:
klimaschutz@landkreis-ludwigsburg.de
