Climate protection needs informed and educated citizens. For 15 years, the Center for Teaching and Continuing Education (ZLW) at the University of Stuttgart has been exploring how education can be effectively integrated into both academic studies and professional life. During the anniversary celebrations, Prof. Harald Lesch delivered a lecture titled 'Climate: The State of Play'.
The ceremony was opened by Prof. Michael-Jörg Oesterle, Vice Rector for Teaching and Continuing Education. He emphasized the relevance of lifelong learning for an educated society. Markus Lion, head of the zlw, provided an overview of the center's work over the past 15 years. He explained the role played by interdisciplinary key qualifications as well as the Studium Generale and guest auditor studies for intergenerational joint learning. The evening featured a musical performance by a string quartet from the Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra of the University of Stuttgart.
The climate: Its current state is a cause for concern
Harald Lesch began his lecture with the words: “I always like to look at the faces of the audience before and after. You're still laughing right now.” He explains: The situation is serious. Rising temperatures, ever-increasing CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere that none of us will live to see fall, melting permafrost - the list of diseases affecting “patient earth” is long.
In the past, oil companies, who knew about the harmful effects of CO2, spread misinformation about the cause of climate change. Even today, individuals like those portrayed by Lesch at the 'regulars' table' make statements such as: "It’s always been warm, there’s still snow here in winter," or, "Then it will be as warm here as in Italy, and palm trees will grow." This highlights the critical role of education in identifying deliberate fake news and emphasizing the importance of scientifically sound information.
It's not yet too late
Lesch concluded his lecture not with a grim outlook but with an inspiring appeal to the audience: "Germany is not a country where people can afford to succumb to frustration. We must actively develop solutions," he emphasized. In the renewable energy sector, many power plants can be constructed with relatively few components—a stark contrast to the complexity required for fossil fuel infrastructure. “There is research and innovation right here in Stuttgart - why not use that to develop CO2 storage or batteries? But renaturation is also important. Seagrass and moors are both natural CO2 reservoirs that we need to look after.”
In the end, the audience was left reflecting on what actions individuals can take to contribute to climate protection. “Forget the people at the regulars' table. We will never be able to convince everyone, but we don't have to,” says Lesch. “Look in the mirror in the morning and ask yourself: How can I get through the day knowing all this? The important thing is that we work together to find solutions. Nature and the climate don't belong to any political party and people who are serious about them are needed everywhere in society.”
