Conference Summary « Green New Deal

The Great Transformation – Greening the Economy

Conference Report
Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, Schumannstr. 8, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Friday, May 28 and Saturday, May 29, 2010

During the two-day international conference ‘‘The Great Transformation – Greening the Economy,’’ 400 international guests discussed how to achieve a comprehensive transformation of our societies into ‘‘Low Carbon Societies,’’ and the ecological remodeling of industrial society.

In order to attain this goal, all relevant aspects of modern societies must be analyzed, and this conference focused on three main questions: what ‘‘Smart Policies,’’ or frameworks and instruments are necessary to reach carbon emissions targets; what ‘‘Smart Technologies’’ are being developed that will help cut emissions and curb our reliance on fossil fuels; and what alliances and key actors must cooperate to achieve this transformation.

Although the conference took place at the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung’s headquarters, it was a joint collaboration of several partner institutions: The main partners were the Center for American Progress in Washington, D.C. and the German foundation Stiftung Mercator. Over three hundred international guests attended the conference, and there was a live audience following the conference through Twitter and an online feed. Bloggers also posted on the conference simultaneously. In addition to the larger panels for the entire audience, there were smaller breakout forums focused on more detailed aspects of the transformation.

The speakers at the conference represented a healthy variety of backgrounds and perspectives. There was substantial participation from various government officials, including German parliamentarians, the Spanish State Secretary for Climate Change, and an expert from the European Commission. Further perspectives and assessments came from experts from a variety of civil society and labor organizations as well as think tanks worldwide. These perspectives were rounded out by representatives from the private sectors, with speakers from companies such as BMW, Daimler and Areva.

Friday, May 28th 2010

WELCOME

• Ralf Fücks, President, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung
• Andre Wilkens, Director, Centre for International Affairs, Stiftung Mercator
• Michael Ettlinger, Vice President for Economic Policy, Center for American Progress

Representatives from the three main partner organizations opened the conference by explaining the concept of the Great Transformation and underlining its necessity. Ralph Fücks defined the necessary transition as moving beyond the fossil age into a post-fossil age, and emphasized the urgency of action in meeting the challenges of climate change. Declaring that ‘‘climate change won’t wait while we do our homework,’’ he called the proposed transformation nothing short of a new industrial revolution and identified the three main questions that the conference would focus on (see above). In order to achieve these goals, Michael Ettlinger affirmed that cross-Atlantic cooperation as well as the cooperation of progressives everywhere was necessary, and Andre Wilkens called for a ‘‘new business model.’’

Panel
BEYOND COPENHAGEN – GREENING THE ECONOMY

• Keynote Speech: Andrew Light, Center for American Progress

Andrew Light reviewed the reactions to the Copenhagen summit before addressing the current climate legislation in the United States. After he explained that the Copenhagen summit is viewed alternatively as either a surprising success or complete failure in the US, he focused on the virtues of the accord. He pointed out that all significant emitters are on board, that the science of climate change is being adhered to, that finances are really being committed, and finally that 78 countries have submitted targets.

Light briefly addressed the current climate change legislation under review in the US, and declared that if these were to fail, there is now a ‘‘fail-safe mechanism’’ that would give the President the authority to ensure that the US meets its international commitments. Under the Endangerment finding by the EPA and a ruling by the Supreme Court on the Clean Air Act, this would give the government the ability to regulate greenhouse gases, including CO2, even if Congress does not pass legislation. He expressed hope that the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico would bolster support for the legislation and lead to a decline in offshore drilling.

Although Light was firmly committed to continuing to pursue the UNFCCC process, he also advocated complementary and simultaneous processes that can build on the momentum established in Copenhagen. One such process, the ‘‘Core Elements’’ proposal, published by the American Center for Progress and the United Nations Foundation, would achieve 70% of reduction goals by 2020 by focusing on four core elements and sectoral agreements, while working only with the world’s seventeen largest economies (EU counted as one economy).

Discussion

• Renate Künast, Member of the German Bundestag, Chairwoman of parliamentary group, Alliance 90/The Greens
• Teresa Ribera Rodriguez, Spanish State Secretary for Climate Change
• Stephan Mutimba, Managing Director, Camco Kenya
• Andrew Light, Center for American Progress
• Moderator: Ralf Fücks, President, Heinrich Böll Foundation

Teresa Ribera Rodriguez argued that no one should wait for the next climate change summit in Cancun, but that next steps should be taken immediately. Calling Europe a ‘‘key actor’’ which has built on itself as a community in a democratic and participative manner, she urged that it continue to use its structures and frameworks and to work in new approaches, including as regional or sectoral approaches, in order to address climate change issues.

Stephan Mutimba pointed out that when African countries present frameworks for international investment, it is difficult to distinguish what aid is needed due to climate change and what needs are development-based. He also pointed out that many African countries feel exploited when urged to purchase innovative technology from the West, and called for more cooperation between the private sector and civil society in Africa to develop new technologies, especially renewable energies.

Renate Künast declared that all the crises we face today have the same roots: we live on the cost of others, including future generations. She described the Green New Deal as even more ambitious than Roosevelt’s New Deal, because it champions a complete transition and does not merely address a short-term crisis. She identified the urgency of the EU taking action, as it needs to ‘‘redefine what it wants to be,’’ as the deadline approaches for the EU to set its next budgets. She cautioned against hypocrisy by calling for a global transformation while not instituting far-reaching changes at home.

She pointed out that our way of life has been disastrous, resulting even in one country needing to purchase land from another country as it disappears due to rising sea levels. She emphasized that African countries must have a chance to speak for and represent themselves, and urged the EU to employ its Neighborhood Policy in the Middle East and Africa to increase energy security and diversification. She also called for new alliances in societies, pointing out that labor and green movements often have common interests.

Künast ended by underscoring that the goal of the Great Transformation is not to create new green jobs or a new green sector- the goal is to make all jobs green, and make all sectors green- it is a true transformation only if it is all-inclusive.

Panel
POLITICAL PARAMETERS AND REGULATORY INSTRUMENTS

• Ernst Ulrich von Weizsäcker, Environmental Scientist and Climate Expert
• Jennifer Morgan, Director, Climate and Energy Program, World Resources Institute
• Jürgen Trittin, Member of the German Bundestag, Chairman of parliamentary group, Alliance 90/The Greens
• Matthias Machnig, Minister of Economics, Labour and Technology of Thuringia, Social Democratic Party SPD
• Moderator: Barbara Unmüßig, President, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung

To begin the discussion, Ernst Ulrich von Weizsäcker explained the Kuznetz curve as it pertains to environment and development: a country’s CO2 emissions generally rise as it develops economically, becoming ‘‘rich and dirty.’’ He called for the next step in development to become ‘‘rich and clean,’’ by becoming low carbon societies. There are three preconditions for this transformation: First, he presented technological solutions, introducing research from his book Factor Five, which describes how technology can help re-design systems of industry. By using more energy-efficient technologies and processes, five times as much energy can be extracted from each kilowatt used, which can raise wealth and productivity while cutting required resources. Secondly, he spoke of the concept of ‘‘climate justice,’’ including per capita equal emissions rights.

Finally, von Weizsäcker called for fair prices for energy, and insisted that high energy prices do not necessarily hurt economies. He illustrated the case of Japan, which flourished economically during the 15 years of its highest energy prices. Because predictability is essential for investment, prices must be increased gradually and in proportion to average increases in energy production.

Jennifer Morgan addressed debates and changes taking place in the US. Although the Obama administration knows that the country is facing a huge problem and that it bears a large responsibility, the policies in place and the understanding of the population are at an ‘‘infant stage.’’ She reviewed pending legislation, and pointed out that even though it includes comparatively weak targets, it indicates that the country is going down a de-carbonization path. She pinpointed the major challenge as whether Americans will accept the notion that they can be a low carbon and yet rich society.

Jürgen Trittin identified two prerequisites that must be met before the Great Transformation can take place. First, he argued for the primacy of policy over the market, calling policy the true expression of democracy. Speaking from his experience in government, he declared that people will always initially organize against new policies, and pointed to the example of the eco-tax that was introduced in Germany amid wide protest, but which has meanwhile become a success. He also argued for the primacy of renewal over conservative structures, and asserted that countries will not emerge from the economic crisis if they only focus on saving and believe they already have too many commitments.

Matthias Machnig criticized the loss of momentum in the climate change debate, and complained that no party had a comprehensive economic plan for the Great Transformation. He attributed this to the refusal of economists to comprehend its necessity. Machnig named a set of measures that should be implemented to achieve a Third Industrial Revolution, including: economic and regulatory instruments, massive public and private investments, a top runner approach, a new public procurements approach, and new research and development schemes as well as education for new career paths.

Forum Round I

IA. RESEARCH FOR THE GREAT TRANSFORMATION

• Fred Steward, Professor of Innovation and Sustainability, Policy Studies Institute, University of Westminster
• Uwe Schneidewind, President, Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy
• Michael Gallagher, Senior Advisor and Director, Former President and Chief Operating Officer, Westport Innovations Inc.
• Moderator: Dagmar Simon, Head of Research Group Science Policy Studies, Social Science Research Center Berlin

Due to his experience in business, Michael Gallagher emphasized the importance of directly trying out and implementing ideas and research. Uwe Scheidewind and Fred Steward, on the other hand, stressed that what is currently most needed are social changes, and therefore argued that more effort should be invested in changing societal systems. Both Gallagher and the moderator Dagmar Simon promoted more research cooperation between universities and companies, and especially more interdisciplinary cooperation. All the speakers in the forum agreed that technical innovation alone will not bring about the Great Transformation, but rather the environment for innovation must also change, and this pertains especially to Europe.

IB. GREEN PROTECTIONISM OR OPEN MARKETS?

• Vesile Kulacoglu, Director, Trade and Environment Division, World Trade Organization
• Karsten Neuhoff, Research Director, Climate Policy Initiative (CPI), German Institute for Economic Research (DIW)
• Winfried Hoffmann, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Solar Business Group, Applied Materials, Inc.
• Moderator: Tilman Santarius, Head of Division, International Climate and Energy Policies, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung

This forum focused on the tension between the goals of open markets vs. the tools and policies that combat climate change. Vesile Kulacoglu praised open trade, and pointed out that WTO standards do not allow discrimination against products based on the way they have been produced. Karsten Neuhoff stated that only higher carbon prices would trigger innovation and shift investments, and argued for the introduction of border adjustments (taxes on goods that have been produced without carbon emissions standards) once there are different global prices for carbon. Winfried Hoffmann believes that Europe is losing competitiveness, in part because there is not a level playing field for green investments. For instance, obtaining funds for solar investments is very difficult in Germany, while in Asia there are subsidies for research and development, as well as favorable interest rates for investment. Kulacoglu argued that technology transfer is positive, and it doesn’t matter where green industries flourish as long as they do. There was a consensus that so far there is no indication that existing climate change policies and carbon prices have provoked carbon leakage, and therefore there is no immediate need for border adjustments. However, the question remains open as to what will happen once carbon prices rise.

IC. GREENING THE CITIES – CITY PROFILES AND PATHWAYS

• Malena Karlsson, Stockholm Glashusett
• J. Victor Hugo Paramo Figueroa, Director General for Air Quality Management, Mexico City Environmental Secretary
• Dale Medearis, Environmental Planner
• Hep Monatzeder, Deputy Mayor of the City of Munich
• Moderator: Nikolaus Bernau, Editor, Berliner Zeitung

Two panelists gave their first-hand perspectives of improvements in greening cities. First, Malena Karlsson presented the example of a sustainable neighborhood created to improve the ‘‘environmental profile’’ of Sweden. Constructed on a former inner-city manufacturing site, the new district of Hammarby Sjöstad serves as laboratory for testing a self-recycling local eco-system. For instance, 90% of the locally produced waste re-enters the system in the form of electricity. To achieve this, integrated planning and the participation of important stake-holders such as housing were crucial success factors from the very start, she summarized.

Then J. Victor Hugo Paramo Figueroa underlined the essential role of transportation policies that were used to improve the quality of life in Mexico. He asserted that the structure of a BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system along with the support of walking and cycling had been crucial. An important factor for the acceptance of new transportation modes, such as buses and cycling lanes, is the car-free-Sunday on Avenida Reforma, the main circle street in Mexico.City, that more that 50.000 citizens use every week for walking, cycling and skating.

The other panelists, Hep Monatzeder and Dale Medearis, spoke on a more abstract level about policies and factors that influence the implementation of a transformation at the city/local level. Monatzeder summarized what he views as the three main factors: integration, cooperation and innovation. He also emphasized that environmentally-friendly transportation, a good quality of life and urban spaces are important locational assets that attract business to Munich. He also conceded that the local budget is an important factor when it comes to the implementation of far-reaching local climate protection programmes.

Dale Medearis identified barriers that hinder a paradigm shift, including among others: the cultural barrier, the false perception of collaboration, fragmented discussions and the absence of benchmarks. He also added some very practical advice to those who want to facilitate knowledge transfer between local representatives: Policy learning is taking place when people share concrete working experiences.

ID. QUO VADIS CARBON TRADING?

• Guy Turner, Director, Carbon Markets, New Energy Finance
• Johannes Enzmann, Policy Officer, Directorate-General Environment, European Commission
• Thomas Heller, Co-Director, Rule of Law Program and Stanford Program in International Law; Stanford Law School
• Moderator: R. Andreas Kraemer, Chairman, Ecologic Institute, Washington DC

All the panelists agreed that the European Union Greenhouse Gas Emission Trading System (EU ETS) for carbon credits is a successful regulatory mechanism. Due to ETS, carbon emissions in Europe have been reduced, and it has caused power companies to alter their investment strategies due to it long-term nature. The carbon market has also remained remarkably stable during the last two years despite the economic crisis. All the panelists preferred a cap and trade solution over a tax option to cut emissions because it offers flexibility, signifies long-term commitment, and sets limits on emissions; whereas determining and enforcing an accurate tax rate is difficult. Unfortunately, there are no serious prospects of developing a carbon-trading program globally or in other regions at this point.

Panel
BREAKTHROUGH TECHNOLOGIES AND FLAGSHIP PROJECTS

• Christopher Flavin, President, Worldwatch Institute
• Moderator: Hermann Ott, Climate Policy Spokesperson, Alliance 90/The Greens

Christopher Flavin announced that ‘‘we are in a period of technological and policy acceleration,’’ and cited a tremendous worldwide momentum in green technology and polices. Although five years ago the phrase ‘‘feed-in tariff’’ was unknown, it is now employed by over 60 governments in the world, with 27 new laws or changes to feed-in tariff laws introduced since the Copenhagen summit.

Flavin cautioned that in order to move forward, we must be open-minded beyond ideological stalemates, and respect that the way to achieve change in one country might not be the same in another country. He called for more public and private investment in research and development in the West, which is key to the model of entrepreneurial innovation.

He reminded the audience that a profound cultural transition is necessary in addition to a technological revolution, and that such change is often prompted by new generations. As an example of a positive cultural shift, he pointed to the streets of London, which are now filled with bikes.

Forum Round II

IIA. GREEN INVESTMENT – FINANCING THE GREAT TRANSFORMATION

• Tom Burke, Founding Director of E3G and Environmental Policy Advisor to Rio Tinto plc
• Gerhard Schick, Member of the German Bundestag, Alliance 90/The Greens
• Bracken Hendricks, Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress

Both panelists discussed financial factors which influence the potential for a transformation. Tom Burke emphasized the importance of making the right investment decisions today, as the wrong allocations could lead to more irreversible environmental degradation. He argued that carbon pricing alone doesn’t solve the climate change crisis, although it does make a difference. Gerhard Schick spoke of the constructive changes taking place in the financial markets for green investments. The two panelists disagreed on the role of government: although both saw government investment in green infrastructure as necessary, Schick argued that governments must additionally provide support for the private sector to make investments. Burke insisted that legal frameworks created by governments could enable the private sector to make their own investments. Both were in agreement, however, that both private and public investments would be necessary for the Great Transformation.

IIB. TOWARDS 100% RENEWABLES

• Michaele Schreyer, Former member of the European Commission, Vice-President of Network European Movement Germany
• Eicke Weber, Director, Frauenhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
• Martin Rocholl, Policy Director and Programme Director for Transport, European Climate Foundation
• David Porter, KEMA Consulting Europe
• Moderator: Lars Grotewald, Coordinator, Climate Change Program, Stiftung Mercator

There was a consensus among the panelists that the future energy sources for Europe are renewable, and that implementing an energy mix of 100% of renewables is possible, but that this has to be made economically feasible as well. The stated goal is to make the energy sector carbon-free by 2050. This project would be a new impetus for European integration, as countries must adopt less national and more European perspectives and become more interconnected. The panelists disagreed on whether CO2 emissions targets should be abandoned in the pursuit of 100% renewable energies. Professor Weber championed this view, declaring that there would be more motivation for developing renewable energies than in reducing CO2, as governments can more easily influence this, and it can create new jobs and voters can view it as a positive and attainable challenge. However, the other panelists were skeptical of this, especially Martin Rocholl.

IIC. CCS VS RENEWABLE ENERGIES? COMPLEMENTARY TECHNOLOGY OR DEAD END?

• Hans-Josef Fell, Member of the German Bundestag, Energy Spokesperson, Alliance 90/The Greens
• Agata Hinc, Project Leader ‘‘Low Emission Economy’’, demosEUROPA – Centre for European Strategy
• Cecile Maisonneuve, Vice President, International Agenda and Prospective, Areva
• Jesse Scott, Programme Leader, Europe in the World, E3G
• Moderator: Camilla Bausch, Head of Climate and Energy, Ecologic Institute

In this forum, panelists debated whether or not CCS is a feasible technology, as well as what advantages and disadvantages would result from its development. While several panelists support pursuing CCS research and development, this was not a consensus. All of the panelists agreed that renewable energies are the long-term solution to climate change challenges and want to see a movement away from coal. The difference in opinion was whether or not CCS is a ‘‘bridge’’ solution until this happens, as Agata Hinc pointed out that the development of renewables in Poland is minimal, and coal remains extremely popular with the population. Hans-Josef Fell argued that CCS is merely a public relations campaign to get new coal power plants built, and pointed out that CCS remains prohibitively expensive and unproven. Jesse Scott pointed to smaller scale CCS projects that have proved the technology works, although she acknowledged there is doubt as to whether the technology will be cost-efficient on a large scale. Even among the panelists who would like to see development of CCS, there was an admission that there are many unanswered questions about the technology, especially as to whether it would be cost-efficient and how viable storage options are worldwide. There was also broad acknowledgement that there might be difficulty in getting public support, especially for storage.

IID. GREEN URBANISM- SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

• Peter Head, Director, Planning and Integrated Urbanism business, ARUP
• Matthias Schuler, Transsolar; Professor for Environmental Technologies, Graduate School of Design, Harvard University
• Alfred Oberholz, Coordinator of the project ‘‘Innovation City’’
• Moderator: Elke Pahl-Weber, Professor at the Institute for Urban and Regional Planning (ISR), Berlin University of Technology and Head, Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development

Components and suggestions for designing and re-designing greener cities were featured in this forum. There was an emphasis on changing individual lifestyles and consumption patterns as well as careful holistic urban planning, starting with demographics. There was a clear consensus on the importance of high urban density, as opposed to the adverse effects of urban sprawl. Peter Head pointed out that there must be differentiated urban solutions for diverse cities and cultures, but that overall resource efficiency must be increased in cities, and he advocated a European super grid. There was disagreement on the importance of democratic planning, with Peter Head and Alfred Oberholz suggesting new institutions and private actors to help plan and shape cities, whereas Matthias Schuler asked if more authoritative methods are necessary in order to successfully transform urban areas into carbon-free locations.

IIE. NEW MOBILITY- THE ‘‘GREEN’’ MOBILITY PRODUCTS OF THE FUTURE

• Weert Canzler, Research Fellow, Research Group Science Policy Studies, Social Science Research Center Berlin
• Jerome Guillen, Director, Business Innovation, Daimler AG
• Michael Cramer, Member of European Parliament, The Greens/EFA
• Glenn Schmidt, Head of Planning and Steering for Governmental Affairs, BMW Group
• Moderator: Wiebke Zimmer, Researcher, Infrastructure & Enterprises, Institute for Applied Ecology

This forum focused mostly on personal transportation options in an urban environment. All of the participants agreed that mobility will look very differently in the future, and that there is a basic human need for mobility. However, there was no consensus on exactly how this future mobility will look. Representatives from Daimler and BMW had a stronger focus on the continuation of individual mobility solutions such as cars, while the other panelists emphasized shared collective modes. The panelists agreed that in the future, a stronger linkage between different types of transportation, called a multimodal system, must be in place. New projects linking cars and public transportation are underway: Daimler has experienced success with its Car2go project in Ulm, and BMW is considering offering public transportation vouchers along with every new Mini that it sells in Berlin. The role of electric cars was also debated: Although Glenn Schmidt vaunted it as perfect for an urban environment, it remained unclear how widespread the introduction of electric cars could be achieved or how effective they would be outside of a city. Overall, electric cars were viewed as only one possible part of the mobility solution.

Saturday, May 29th 2010

Workshop
SOCIAL MEDIA AND CLIMATE CHANGE

• Malte Spitz, Board Member, Alliance 90/The Greens
• Tom McMahon, New Partners
• Julius van de Laar, German Elections Campaigning at Avaaz.org
• Moderator: Jon Worth, Euroblogger

The workshop focused on the role of social media as a method of political mobilization. Julius van de Laar and Tom McMahon gave examples of practice from the US, such as Barack Obama’s presidential campaign and the 2010 campaign for health care reform, while Malte Spitz gave examples of online campaigning in Germany. The presentations gave an insight into the mechanisms of political online campaigning and identified elements that contribute to a successful mobilization of citizens. The main criteria for mobilization are the credibility of the project, and getting supporters to take their own actions and initiatives. Particular attention was paid to the fact that German political culture differs substantially from the American tradition, with people not as open publicly with their political orientation. Therefore, the Neighbor-to-Neighbor method which was successfully implemented during the Obama campaign cannot be easily replicated in Germany, although van de Laar insisted he would continue to believe it could work in Germany too, until a party attempts to use it and fails. The issue of data privacy was also discussed, and it was acknowledged that German laws are much stricter and this leads to different possibilities in social media mobilization.

Panel
ACTORS AND ALLIANCES

• Keynote Speech: Jerome Ringo, Member of the Board of Directors, Apollo Alliance

A resident of the US state of Louisiana and an evacuee of Hurricane Katrina, Jerome Ringo gave an impassioned speech about places and people affected by disaster and the results of climate change. He called the recent oil spill in the Gulf a wake-up call, and demanded an effective policy on offshore drilling and accountability. His plea was for the green movement to engage with a broad range of people and groups, stating that an ‘‘alliance of strange bedfellows’’ was needed, engaging the ‘‘poor, the middle class, the rich, the white, and the black.’’ To achieve the necessary transformation, he evoked the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr., and called for groups such as civil rights groups, faith groups and labor unions to come together and focus on common interests. He called for us all to move forward together as one world, one globe, and one people on this issue.

Discussion:

• Jerome Ringo, Member of the Board of Directors, Apollo Alliance
• Cem Özdemir, Chairman, Alliance 90/The Greens
• Michael Sommer, President, The Confederation of German Trade Unions (DGB)
• Moderator: Carlos Mulas-Granados, Director, IDEAS

Michael Sommer spoke positively about alliances between the green movement and labor organizations, also known as blue-green alliances, and pointed to cooperation between these groups in Germany dating back to 1985. He explained that the labor unions’ mandates now focus on qualitative growth, taking into account social progress as well as environmental concerns. He cited many examples of successful cooperation between environmental groups and labor organizations, and affirmed that labor and green movements are united on the goals of the transition.  However, some differences are inevitable because labor unions represent many of those who will lose out in the short term: for instance, workers who produce polluting motors. He also stressed that decent salaries and good working conditions cannot be forsaken in the transition.

Cem Özdemir recognized two major challenges impeding transformation in the US that do not exist in Germany. The first is the result of different government structures and the role of political parties. Due to the coalition system in Germany, there is room for smaller parties to make an influence. When the German Greens made it into government in 1998 with only 8% of the vote, it was still able to shape laws and promote policies for renewable energies. In the US, alliances must be forged between the two large parties, which can be much more difficult. The second major challenge is that unlike in Germany, there is no popular consensus in the US that climate change exists and is man-made.

Özdemir also agreed with Sommer that the transformation will create not just winners but also losers. He echoed earlier calls from conference speakers for inclusivity, and warned against isolating those who are already disenfranchised in society, such as those with immigrant backgrounds. He admonished the green movement for sometimes appearing elitist and out of touch with these segments of the population.

Forum Round III

IIIA. GREEN LIFESTYLE AND THE POWER OF CONSUMERS

• Andre de Freitas, Executive Director, Forest Stewardship Council
• Klaus Müller, Chairman, Consumer Advice Center North Rhine-Westphalia
• Kathrin Hartmann, Author
• Moderator: Bärbel Höhn, Member of the German Bundestag, Vice-Chairwoman of parliamentary group, Alliance 90/The Greens

Kathrin Hartmann explained the concept of ‘‘green washing,’’ and criticized companies’ voluntary efforts to accredit their products as more eco-friendly, arguing that these standards cannot be enforced, and she preferred comprehensive regulations instead. However, Andre de Freitas argued that it is a false dichotomy to say that all labels are either voluntary or regulatory. Although there is a need for credible certifications, labels can make things easier for consumers and get them to do something good without too much effort. Klaus Müller echoed consumers’ readiness to make sustainable choices, but also pointed out that there is a gap between what people say and what they will actually do, especially given their financial and time restraints. The main theoretical debate of the forum was to what extent we can realistically combat society’s consumerism mindset and habits. Hartmann and Bärbel Höhn argued that forgoing or relinquishing certain things or products can be fun, for example waiting for strawberries to be in season locally. However, Müller and de Freitas were more skeptical of the attractiveness of ‘‘going without’’ or ‘‘sacrifice,’’ and of attempting to rapidly change consumption habits. They argued that people fundamentally want to consume, and that completely battling this is unrealistic.

IIIB. ENABLING ENVIRONMENTS – TRANSFORMATION IN PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN NORTH AND SOUTH

• Alina Averchenkova, Senior Analyst, International Climate Policy, First Climate AG
• Frank Momberg, Asia-Pacific Regional Director of Development, Fauna & Flora International
• Stephen Mutimba, Managing Director, Camco Kenya
• Moderator: Andrew Light, Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress

This forum focused on cooperation between North and South countries in the development of green economies and societies. All the panelists saw concrete and positive progress in this cooperation, although they all approached the topic from different perspectives. Frank Momberg focused on the example of forest protection in Indonesia, describing this as an easy and affordable way to reduce CO2. He argued for more incentives for the local populations, as well as more cooperation with local companies and the private sector. Stephen Mutimba criticized many existing projects for their ineffective use of finances, such as for bureaucratic costs, and argued that not just governments, but also civil societies and the private sector should play a larger role in the North-South partnership. Alina Averchenkova defended the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), and explained some of the problems with technology transfers between the North and South.

IIIC. TRANSFORMING SOCIETY- NEW ALLIANCES

Hans-Jürgen Urban, Executive Board Member, IG Metall
Harald Kächele, Federal Chairman, Deutsche Umwelthilfe (German Environmental Aid)
Margrete Strand Rangnes, Deputy Director, Blue Green Alliance
• Moderator: Cem Özdemir, Chairman, Alliance 90/The Greens

All of the speakers were engaged with blue-green alliances, although their levels of enthusiasm differed. Margrete Strand Rangnes described her very positive experiences in the US, where cooperation between various unions and environmental movements has been successful, despite not seeing eye-to-eye on all issues. Hans-Jürgen Urban was more cautious about blue-green alliances, alluding to a long learning process and unavoidable conflicts. Harald Kächele represented a middle view, pointing out that his institution always entered alliances with the understanding that they can be broken. He named Toyota as an example of a partner who can also be an enemy, depending on the circumstances.

IIID. A GREEN NEW DEAL FOR CITIES AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES?

• Sandy Taylor, Head, Climate Change and Sustainability, Birmingham City Council
• Hans Mönninghoff, Head of Economic and Environmental Affairs Department, City of Hannover
• Jens Lattmann, Head of Economy and Environmental Department, German Association of Cities
• Bas Boorsma, Director, Internet Business Solutions Group and Head, Connected Urban Development, CISCO Systems, Inc.
• Moderator: Dale Medearis, Environmental Planner

The panelists discussed the integration of the Green New Deal into local economies, with all speakers in agreement that the greening of the economy will be achieved mainly on the local level. Sandy Taylor and Hans Mönninghoff focused on the political leadership required to change policies, with Mönninghoff suggesting the combination of economic and environmental affairs departments, and social framework conditions that can further promote a favorable climate for dynamic innovation, such as in-house day care centers. Bas Boorsma suggested an alliance of public and private sectors to develop green communities, and Jens Lattmann agreed. Lattmann cited municipal procurement in particular as a sector in which public and private sectors can cooperate and establish eco-standards, and sees the biggest potential in the retrofitting of older buildings.

Panel
SUSTAINABLE GROWTH – PROGRESSIVE GROWTH?

• Keynote Speech- Reinhard Bütikofer, Member of the European Parliament, The Greens/EFA

Reinhard Bütikofer introduced the discussion on sustainable growth by outlining the opposing notion of the limits of growth vs. the growth of limits. He believes that fortunately today the debate is focused on the growth of limits, and sees a positive shift to emphasis on qualitative and not quantitative growth. There is, however, an open question about what will happen beyond efficiency increases and gains, as ecological gains are being eaten up by production increases.

He reviewed Binswanger’s distinction between the need for a minimum level of growth (Wachstumszwang) in order to maintain modern economies, and an over-shooting growth (Wachstumsdrang), which is destructive to the environment. While it is necessary to at least maintain minimum growth, this over-shooting must be prevented, and understanding and implementing this distinction is difficult. In order to do this, new instruments, beyond the standard GDP benchmark, must be developed to measure growth. There must also be a change in the cultural impulse for growth. Bütikofer does not think this cultural shift can be achieved by using the word ‘‘sacrifice,’’ and instead called for a re-interpretation of the ‘‘pursuit of happiness’’ by describing a new ecological ‘‘promised land’’ where growth will play a role but will no longer be as destructive.

Discussion:

• Ralph Fücks, President, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung
• Jiahua Pan, Senior Fellow and Deputy Director, Research Centre for Sustainable
• Development (RCSD) at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS)
• Michael Ettlinger, Vice President for Economic Policy, Center for American Progress
• Derek Eaton, Programme Officer, UNEP / DTIE – Economics & Trade Branch

Michael Ettlinger praised the fact that there is a solid plan for a transformation, opposed to the economic upheavals of the past, but stressed that the plan involves asking people to make sacrifices and give up a model of economic growth that has existed for 200 years, including how jobs are created and how living standards have grown. Although the argument is that there will be a net win in jobs overall, there must be an acknowledgement that some sectors will suffer, and these are sectors that are very visible. He pointed out that people are more prone to inaction than to take actions that are unknown and risky, but that the current economic crisis illustrates how important it is to cooperate internationally and take action before it is too late.

According to Jiahua Pan, ‘‘low-carbon’’ has become the new slogan in China, and is applied to everything from cities to communities to consumption. China recognizes that it cannot go much further with the fossil fuel-based model, and is trying to move faster in low-carbon technologies and policies. He spoke about the Chinese government’s attempt to manage growth at just the right level: high enough to meet rising expectations of living standards, but curbing it from growing too fast in order to prevent social disparities. Pan declared that China is taking the lead in the low-carbon movement, with the US following.

In an attempt to explain green growth, Derek Eaton claimed that all the crises that have recently impacted our societies (food, water, economic, financial, and climate change crises) demonstrate that our old models of growth are not sustainable. He is dismayed that as growth returns to the OECD countries, these old models persist and he sees a return to ‘‘business as usual.’’ Although some of the stimulus money by governments has been earmarked for green developments, he would like see more investments into creating to a green economy. Eaton also warned of growing disparities within societies, and called for more solidarity in our societies and education.

Ralph Fücks began by describing Europe’s unique demographic challenges within the growth paradigm, pointing out that while European populations are stagnating, its economic systems are based on increasing growth, presenting enormous problems for funding health care and pensions. He warned that Europe has still not solved how to deal with stagnating growth, and cautioned that ‘‘if the pie doesn’t grow anymore, the battle of dividing allocations grows.’’

However, Fücks pointed out that Europe is a global exception in this regard, with the total world population projected to grow to 9 million by 2050. Millions of people who want a decent and dignified life are still struggling to catch up with standards of the West. Huge pressure arises from the need to de-couple natural growth from resource growth, and meeting the challenge of halving resources while doubling growth will be difficult. However, it is a challenge we must confront. He proposed three strategies: First, to pursue a resource efficiency revolution; second, to substitute fossil fuels with renewable energies; and finally to re-design our existing structures, such as transportation systems.

In response to a question concerning limiting personal freedoms, both Fücks and Eaton rejected the notion of a command society, and affirmed the right of individuals to live in a liberal society with choices. They argue for taxes and quantitative mechanisms to shape consumption and lifestyle habits.

Tags: conference, Green New Deal