Our advantage? The people who are enthusiastic about HN as a green capital!

In October, the EU Commission will award the title of Green Capital Europe - Heilbronn is one of the candidates! The application is receiving active support from the Heilbronn ecosystem, above all 42 Heilbronn. An interview with Isabell Steidel, new Senior Project Manager City Dashboard at 42  .

Why is Heilbronn applying for the Green Capital Europe Award?

Three reasons: Firstly, Heilbronn is already very active in climate protection today. The competition is an opportunity to demonstrate this and inspire other municipalities - throughout Europe. Secondly, we want to inspire the people of Heilbronn even more to work for a good climate in their city. The competition is a great tool for this. And thirdly, what is most important to me personally: we don't have to be perfect yet, but we have to define goals and show how we want to achieve them. For me, the competition is the starting signal for a positive change. That's great. And also necessary... Heilbronn has just come second in the nationwide ranking of the warmest cities.

How does the competition work?

A scientific jury evaluates the candidates on the basis of seven categories, including air quality, biodiversity and adaptation to climate change. We have to show where we currently stand and what we intend to do in the coming years. In the preliminary rounds, our noise protection and mobility concepts as well as the strong involvement of citizens were highlighted very positively - and we were invited to the final. We were absolutely delighted! Especially because everything went incredibly quickly. The municipal council only approved the application in March. The Heilbronn city council then implemented the whole thing within just two months - and in that short time, they really did a great job! At the end of October, we will now be competing in Valencia against the city of Guimarães and Klagenfurt am Wörthersee.

What are Heilbronn's chances of winning the competition?

Both cities are strong competitors who know what they are doing. Guimarães was already one of the finalists last year. But: In Heilbronn, we have a lot of support from the urban community. Many people here put their heart and soul into sustainable projects and have already achieved amazing things. My favorite example: Last year, Heilbronn committed to being climate-neutral by 2035 - ten years earlier than the German government's target! It was the citizens who demanded this ambitious target from their city. They launched a large signature campaign and pushed through the earlier deadline. Furthermore, as a growing AI stronghold and knowledge city, Heilbronn offers a great network. Many of the stakeholders bring a fresh perspective on climate issues and support the competition - such as 42 Heilbronn.

How does 42 Heilbronn support the competition?

Over the past few years, 42 has developed many great tools that were also intended to make a socio-political contribution from the outset. When Thomas, the CEO of 42 Heilbronn, heard about the competition, he immediately exclaimed: “42 Heilbronn is in!” We are currently working on a new dashboard for the city, which will also be presented in Valencia in October. Sensors are being installed to measure air and water quality and noise pollution. A mega exciting and complex project with so much to consider. For example, whether the sensors have the same incidence of sunlight and whether the measurements are comparable. We are incredibly happy that the Fraunhofer Institute, two professors from Heilbronn University and Schwarz IT are also on board and supporting us with their expertise!

Why is data so important?

When it comes to environmental issues in particular, we often have to deal with a great sense of powerlessness. The challenges seem gigantic and we don't even know where to start. Data helps to concretize climate protection and break it down into stages. And they make our own successes visible in the first place. For example, I can see how air quality improves if I plant three new trees in my garden. Or I can measure exactly how much CO2 I save by leaving my car at home and switching to a bike. In my experience, this is incredibly important: understanding that my actions have a real effect.

What excites you personally about climate policy?

Climate change is calling all our lives into question from the ground up. You can fall into a depression - or draw strength from it! I was able to experience political self-efficacy early on. I was elected to the local youth council here in Heilbronn in 2012 and co-founded a sponsorship project for refugees. Initially, I never thought that something could really grow out of it. But the Diakonisches Werk Heilbronn heard about the idea and was totally enthusiastic. They immediately offered me an FSJ position. As a result, I was able to place around 300 people that year and received overwhelming feedback. That was really great! Today, I am involved in various initiatives for a socially just climate policy, for example at the G20 Youth Summit or at the World Bank Group, but also here in Heilbronn as a city councillor on the Climate Protection and Sustainability Advisory Board. And now at 42 Heilbronn.  

Why is the municipal level so important in climate issues?

Many climate policy decisions may be made at national level, but it is the local people who implement change - whether they turn off the lights when they leave the room or start a new climate initiative. And as part of a colorful and active urban society, we learn what is possible when we tackle things together!