He attributed the district a pioneering role in climate protection. Prior to this, District Administrator Allgaier had explained the climate policy goals for the current year and awarded Professor Dr. Claus König the Ludwigsburg District Medal of Merit for his services to the protection of the environment and nature.
This year's New Year's reception of the Ludwigsburg district featured a mix of traditional and new elements. In terms of content, it marked the start of the focus year on climate protection. According to District Administrator Allgaier, this is no longer a question of "if", but "how".
District Administrator Allgaier: "Let's not waste any time, let's act decisively"
"Now is the time for us to focus on the most important climate protection measures, join forces and use synergies. We can achieve a lot as a district together with our municipalities - this does not have to and cannot only come from Brussels and Berlin," he appealed to the guests from the worlds of politics, business, sport and culture, among others. With the energy-saving projects in schools, the climate protection concept, which will be updated this year, and the climate mobility plan, he explained specific projects in the district to the audience. He also invited the audience to the "Partnerships for climate action" climate forum at the beginning of March.
Professor Dr. Claus König awarded medal of merit
While the program, setting and music of the New Year's reception were new, the awarding of the Eberhard Ludwig Medal of Merit to Professor Dr. Claus König was a testament to the event's long-standing tradition. With the highest award of the district of Ludwigsburg, District Administrator Allgaier honored the 90-year-old as "a personality who stands for many years of outstanding voluntary commitment to the protection of nature and the environment. A person who has persistently drawn attention to the many threats to local nature over decades and supported conservation measures."
The district's commitment is a beacon project for climate protection
Another new feature was that the audience was actively involved in the reception. Guests had the opportunity to ask Arved Fuchs questions. He reported on his adventurous expeditions and gave the audience a message:
"Climate change is the dividing element between peoples. There are over eight billion people living on earth today who need living space and food. In 50 years, the world's population has more than doubled. Climate change is destroying urgently needed habitats and agricultural land, creating an incredible potential for conflict. Everything is connected to everything else."
The polar researcher, author and documentary filmmaker paid particular tribute to the local commitment:
"The district of Ludwigsburg is taking a pioneering role in climate protection and environmental conservation. This is admirable and exemplary. We need such lighthouse projects and a corresponding commitment to motivate others and take them with us."
Prominent guests and a varied entertainment program
The evening's celebrity guests included former Baden-Württemberg Minister President Günter Oettinger, Rainer Wieland, MEP and Deputy President of the European Parliament, Steffen Bilger (MP), Silke Gericke (MP), Tayfun Tok (MP), Tobias Vogt (MP) and Swantje Sperling (MP) as well as the manager of Fantastische Vier, Läsker Bär, and soccer coach Jürgen Kramny. The New Year's reception was accompanied by music from the Korntal-Münchingen music school's flute trio and the band "Street Walkers". Outside, pupils from the Robert Bosch Grammar School in Gerlingen entertained the guests with an impressive fire juggling performance.
District Administrator Allgaier was delighted with the positive feedback that the guests gave him after the official program. They then had plenty of time to use the evening for discussions.
