HNEE - Professor Uta Steinhardt appointed to the Brandenburg Sustainability Advisory Board
The state government wants to further develop its sustainability strategy in close consultation with renowned scientists and representatives of the business community and the younger generation. To this end, the cabinet decided on 9 February 2021 to set up a sustainability advisory board. At the same time, the six members of the committee were appointed, which will be chaired by the Scientific Director of the Potsdam Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS), Prof Ortwin Renn. BTU President Prof Gesine Grande is the deputy chair.
Following the cabinet meeting, the committee was constituted in a video conference attended by Minister President Dietmar Woidke, Minister Kathrin Schneider and Environment Minister Axel Vogel. The voluntary work is supported in organisational terms by a coordination office based in the State Chancellery. The advisory board will also work together with the sustainability platform at the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Climate Protection to involve civil society. The term of office of the advisory board runs until the end of the legislative period.
Minister President Dietmar Woidke said: "It is good for Brandenburg's development that we have been able to recruit recognised experts from science and business as well as a representative of young people for the advisory board. Sustainability is an important topic for the future of our state and therefore an important core of Brandenburg's state policy. We also need economically sustainable, socially balanced and ecologically compatible development in the future. We have an obligation to do this for current and future generations.
A broad social debate about the right measures and the best way to achieve this is essential in view of current challenges such as climate change, equal living conditions and overcoming the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. The members of the Advisory Board have very different perspectives on the topic of sustainability. This is very valuable for a broad discourse. I look forward to an exciting and constructive collaboration."
Agriculture and Environment Minister Axel Vogel said: "Sustainable management is a central prerequisite of our policy - and we are implementing it: Among other things, with the climate plan and the state's sustainability strategy. I am sure that the Advisory Board will make important contributions to the development of these strategies with its expertise. Together with the Sustainability Platform, whose coordinator Prof. Dr Dr Ortwin Renn is represented on the Advisory Board, we have the best conditions for revising the state sustainability strategy in a close dialogue with science and civil society. I am pleased that, following the pilot phase, we will be able to ensure the continuation of the platform with the IASS until the end of the legislative period."
The Chairman of the Sustainability Advisory Council, Prof Ortwin Renn: "I am delighted to be able to contribute to Brandenburg's socially just, ecologically compatible and economically viable development as a member of the state's Sustainability Advisory Council. Sustainable development can create future-proof jobs, protect the unique natural environment and contribute to the quality of life in the state. However, there is no magic formula for achieving sustainability. The United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals show us the way. However, how this path is to be followed in concrete terms must be discussed and decided on locally, in the state and in the local community together with the citizens of the state. A scientifically sound social debate that is appropriate to the diverse values and interests is the best prerequisite for a successful sustainability strategy in the state of Brandenburg."
Deputy Chair of the Sustainability Advisory Board, Prof Gesine Grande: "Sustainability and innovation must be considered together when it comes to major challenges such as the coal phase-out, climate change and the transformation of the economy and society. BTU is heavily involved in this process, be it with the emerging competence centre for the energy transition, with technological innovations or major projects on regional development, climate, open-cast mining landscapes and digitalisation. I consider it an honour and a responsibility to be able to help shape this discourse together with the other members of the Advisory Board."
The members of the Sustainability Advisory Board:
- Chairman: Prof. Dr Dr h.c. Ortwin Renn, Scientific Director of the Potsdam Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS). As organiser and moderator, he is also responsible for and supervises the office of the Brandenburg Sustainability Platform on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Climate Protection.
- Deputy Chairwoman: Prof Dr Gesine Grande, President of the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU).
- Prof Dr Ottmar Edenhofer, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)
- Prof. Dr Uta Steinhardt, Professor at the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE), Department of Landscape Use and Nature Conservation
- Rüdiger Kuhn, representative of Pro Brandenburg and Chairman of the Board of CEMEX Germany, based in Rüdersdorf, one of the world's largest cement producers.
- Silke Hansen, Spokeswoman of the Board of the Brandenburg State Youth Council; Consultant and Head of Studies for Youth Work at the Protestant Youth Berlin-Brandenburg-Schlesische Oberlausitz.