As of: February 24, 2024, 6:54 a.m
By: Moritz Bletzinger
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We are not moralizers or heroes, says “Last Generation” activist Theodor Schnarr.
A conversation about cruises, media and the European elections.
Frankfurt – Once again, a double standard discussion about the “Last Generation” is being driven through the media landscape.
A climate activist did not appear in court: he was excused because he was traveling on a cruise ship from Kiel to Oslo.
Critics are outraged, others are shaking their heads at the reporting.
Are people who support action against the climate crisis not allowed to go on vacation?
A conversation with activist Theodor Schnarr about the role of the “last generation” in the media, society, in the European elections and future elections in Germany.
Mr. Schnarr, there was a huge media storm last week.
A climate activist on a cruise ship, so bluntly expressed, sounds contradictory.
How do you follow the discussion about your colleague?
Sometimes what is being reported is frightening.
The question is what is being talked about?
What is actually the message?
Less than two weeks ago, the EU climate service determined that the 1.5 degree mark had been exceeded for twelve months.
And instead we talk about someone driving a boat.
Do you think the reporting misses the point?
Yes.
Sometimes it feels as if some journalists forget their social relevance.
The media should start with the government; journalistic energy should flow into it.
Actually, someone should stand in front of the Bundestag every day and confront those responsible.
Theodor Schnarr is a biochemist, handball player and is committed to the “last generation”.
© Nele Fischer
So discussions about individuals are unnecessary?
I'm not saying that we as individuals shouldn't be careful about what we do.
But the industry is too big and influences the climate so drastically that private individuals hardly have any influence anymore.
And politicians make decisions that have consequences.
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I as a person am not responsible?
Only limited.
The government is taking the decision for us as to whether we allow the climate crisis to escalate.
The government is currently deciding on this.
And the only people who benefit are those who make money from natural gas and coal.
Everyone else suffers the consequences.
I can live consciously, but the big decisions are made by those in power.
However, with road blockades and protests, the “Last Generation” has also fought for a major role in society.
Activists are either seen as role models or moral apostles.
Don't you only fulfill this role if you also behave in an exemplary manner?
We are completely normal people.
It is imposed on us that we are role models or moral apostles.
The only difference is that we are trying to make a difference.
We are made into moral apostles.
I'm just a biochemist who has done a lot of research.
And now the question is: What can I do to really change something?
On a more positive note, I recently heard someone refer to the members of the “Last Generation” as “heroes.”
Isn't that a good motivation to set a role model?
(Laughs.) “Heroes”?
I see that differently too.
The question is: What do I want to have done?
For me personally, if my nephew asks me in 20 years how the climate catastrophe came about, I won't say I knew about it, but I'll go back to bed.
But can you understand the outrage of people who see you in this role?
Yes, I can understand where that comes from.
Nevertheless, we come back to the question: What are we actually talking about here?
We have a common problem and it's not that someone went on vacation.
I often have conversations like this and in the end we usually come to the point that we have similar values.
Namely, that we don’t want people to die from drought and extreme weather.
For example, what do you say to a driver who calls you a cruise violator?
He must be too angry to discuss a discourse theory...
Then I ask: Don't you like going on vacation?
I don't stand there as a reproach against him, but against a government that is doing nothing to change anything for the better.
I also often hear among my friends and acquaintances: You, you, you.
Then I say: I am just as part of society as you are. If you want, contribute to the change yourself.
And what about those who don't believe change is needed?
I have bad news for them.
It's coming anyway.
Global warming is taking this away from us.
Either the change comes from force majeure or from us.
If we want to preserve something, we should act.
Can you explain why there is so much controversy when the situation is supposed to be so clear?
We encounter a democratic problem when opinions are influenced by economic interests.
Unfortunately, there are many examples of industry influencing the media.
The best example is your personal carbon footprint.
It was actually designed for states, but then made large for people.
This leads us as little people to the point where we only focus on each other.
You drive a boat, you drive a car... this calculation leads to nothing.
They are not role models, moral apostles or heroes.
What role does the “last generation” actually play?
We are committed to ensuring that society is shaken up.
That people get involved.
We say: Here is my hand, come with me!
And I think a lot has already happened, as various court rulings and the influx of people show.
Last but not least, we are stopping the sticky protests to give more people the opportunity to take part.
The new strategy and the entry into the European elections show the change of the “last generation”.
However, some media in favor of it also view this with skepticism.
Is there a danger that activism is coming to an end?
Is the “Last Generation” slowly becoming toothless?
(Laughs.) Nobody has to worry that the protests will die down when the “Last Generation” is elected to the European Parliament.
We don't go to parliament to do any party work.
We want to bring the protest to parliament and shake things up a bit.
The Greens also emerged from a protest movement...
No, we don't compare ourselves with that.
We are going to parliament to address the giant elephant that we need social change and not greenwashing.
If other parts of society don't do it, we will.
Does this require participation in an election?
We are always looking: How can we efficiently get protest onto the streets - and in this case into parliament.
What will come of it remains to be seen.
One point was that there is no five percent threshold in the European Parliament.
Let's say that things are going surprisingly well, the “Last Generation” drops over five percent for Europe.
Will we also see you on German ballot papers?
(Laughs.) Let's see how society reacts.
If we actually get above five percent, then we will definitely see how we can build on that.
The interview was conducted by Moritz Bletzinger.