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Environment

The Fall of the Iron Curtain announced itself in environmental terms as well. But before that: How did environmental protection rank within the two states in divided Germany? Was it given any priority? The principle of sustainability serves the well-being of all people, but is often only implemented on a voluntary and individual basis. Should states regulate the path to sustainable living or should everyone decide for themselves? How does contemporary Germany rank in terms of renewable energies? How environmentally conscious are young Germans and how do they compare to their American peers? Who is responsible for ensuring that future generations can still live on this world? 

The border and the environment Video still © Goethe-Institut New York

The border and the environment

When they think about the “wall,” most people think about the Berlin wall. But what about the  inter-German border that ran through 860 miles, dividing Germany into East and West? How did this border affect the environment? Astrid M. Eckert, PhD, prof. of history at Emory University introduces the green belt. 

Nachhaltiges Handeln, eine individuelle Entscheidung?   © Goethe-Institut New York

For students of German

Is sustainability an individual or collective choice? 
Download Interactive PDF

Astrid Eckert Video still © Goethe-Institut New York

Sustainable living in the GDR

Was sustainable living a concern to every day people in the GDR? If so, how?

Environment concerns in West Germany Video still © Goethe-Institut New York

Environmental concerns in West Germany

How important were environmental concerns in West Germany after
Germany’s partition in 1949?

Astrid Eckert Video still © Goethe-Institut New York

Environmental movements in the GDR

Did East Germany have environmental movements? How did they fit with Socialist ideology?

Frank Wolff Video still © Goethe-Institut New York

Did the GDR have oppositional movements?

The history of the 1953 crushed worker's uprising by the Soviet troops is well known, but did the GDR have other oppositional movements? 

Environment announced the Fall Video still © Goethe-Institut New York

Environment announced the Fall

In her latest book, Astrid M. Eckert, PhD, professor of history at Emory University, argues that the impending collapse of socialist East Germany in November 1989 (Fall of Iron Curtain) announced itself in environmental terms as well. 

Open Memory Box © Open Memory Box

A coal based industry

With its smelly two-stroke cars (Trabi) and lignite (low quality coal)-based industry, the GDR was an environmental catastrophe.

Open Memory Box © Open Memory Box

The Trabant

The most iconic of GDR's cars, the Trabi, was an environmental polluter extraordinaire. Take a look at Trabi videofootage taken by GDR-citizens.  

Open Memory Box © Open Memory Box

Design and Modernism in the GDR

Are you familiar with GDR's modernist lifestyle and architecture? Take a peek at videofootage from GDR citizens. 

Open Memory Box © Open Memory Box

Foreign Travel and Carbon Footprint

The GDR had limited, but not forbidden travel opportunities. Take a look at how GDR's citizens traveled and the carbon footprint they left behind. 

Astrid Eckert Video still © Goethe-Institut New York

German Reunification and the Environment

Was there an environmental dimension to German reunification in 1990?

Renewable energies in Germany today Video still © Goethe-Institut New York

Energiewende: Renewable energies in Germany today

What is the Energiewende and how does contemporary Germany rank in terms of renewable energies? 

It is normal to bring reusable items out in public in Germany? Video still © Goethe-Institut New York

Sustainability in Germany today

Molly Schwertfuehrer, Mt. Lebanon Highschool, PA, asks: Is it normal to bring reusable items (bags, water bottles, mugs, utensils. etc.) out in public in Germany?

Noa Ha Video still: @ Goethe-Institut New York

City Planning: Designing Human Life

Dr. Noa K. Ha was trained as an architecural planner and discusses what fascinates her about cities.

Noa Ha Video still: @ Goethe-Institut New York

Cities of The Future

The current pandemic has questioned the ways in which we as humans live in urban environments. What will future cities look like?


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