Luisa Neubauer, the most prominent voice of the German climate movement, visited the Schöpflin Campus in Lörrach one day after the federal election. As part of a rally on the FABRIC grounds in Lörrach-Brombach, she spoke alongside youth representatives from organizations such as »UNICEF Deutschland« and »Runder Tisch Klima Lörrach« in front of around 250 people. In her speech, she called on those present to continue advocating for stronger climate protection despite the election results — staying true to the motto: »Now more than ever! We are many, we are powerful.«

In the discussion that followed, held at Werkraum Schöpflin, our space for culture and debate, she shared her thoughts: How can we find courage even in difficult times? What inspires her in her work? And what gives her—and us—hope?

Courage Against Powerlessness

»Courage is like a muscle«, Luisa Neubauer responded when asked how she manages to keep going despite criticism. »The more you train it, the easier it gets.« Fear and powerlessness are normal emotions, she said, but they must not be paralyzing. Exhaustion and fatigue are also part of activism, signaling that one truly cares. In such times, she draws strength from the solidarity and community within the climate movement. The fact that climate protection is no longer a »leftist niche issue« but has become a mainstream concern reassures her that she is not alone and that her efforts are making an impact. »With every demonstration, you send energy into the universe — and energy comes back to you.«

Luisa Neubauer finds particular inspiration in exchanges with activists from countries where raising one’s voice and protesting is far more difficult than in Germany. From them, she says, one can learn how to keep fighting even under challenging conditions. But one should never become complacent just because they are on the right side of history. »You don’t win with facts — you win with stories.« It is crucial to reach people on a deeper level rather than simply insisting on facts, even if that means stepping out of one’s comfort zone.
 

Climate Protection Remains a Key Challenge Despite Election Results 

»This election has written many stories—some terrible, some beautiful«, Luisa Neubauer reflected. While climate protection was hardly a central topic during the campaign, many actors from the business sector and civil society made strong calls for decisive climate action in the run-up to the election — a signal that gives her hope. Additionally, surveys show that voters across almost all groups consider climate protection an important issue. »We are many, and we are powerful«, she emphasized.

She noted that right-wing populists and extremists have increasingly polarized debates, shifting the campaign’s focus short-sightedly toward migration. However, that does not mean that climate policy will be irrelevant in the coming years. Even if Friedrich Merz, as chancellor, does not prioritize climate protection, he will still have to confront climate disaster policies — whether he wants to or not.
 

"Together for Future" – Building a Strong Network

In the future, Luisa Neubauer plans to advocate even more strongly for climate justice with »Fridays for Future« and other climate movements. Many current climate measures, such as increasing the CO₂ price, disproportionately affect low-income communities, further exacerbating social inequalities.

To unite activists and For Future groups and enable collective action, Luisa Neubauer founded the alliance »Together for Future«. This large-scale network, consisting of over 50 national and 300 local groups, connects activists from the Global North and Global South. Since April 2024, The Schöpflin Foundation has been supporting »Together for Future«. More information can be found here.