| |
|
|
Stop lignite mining
- Save Heuersdorf
Lignite, or brown coal, is the main domestic fuel resource in Germany. In contrast with the diminishing global reserves and increasing prices of natural gas and oil, lignite appears to offer long-term energy security. The deposits lie close to the surface, allowing relatively inexpensive strip mining to be employed.
However, lignite is ultimately very costly to use because of factors not reflected in market prices. According to a study by the Wuppertal Institute, released by the German environmental ministry in October 2004, the financial burdens of environmental and health detriments are estimated at a minimum of EUR 3.5 billion annually. When the comprehensive effects of climate change and a number of indirect subsidies are added, the total hidden costs of lignite use may be as high as EUR 35 billion per year.
Rather than reducing lignite consumption to enhance environmental integrity, liberal operating permits have been granted to the mining companies under the Federal Mining Act. This policy means a continuous destruction of valuable environments, among them the medieval village of Heuersdorf in Saxony
Make your voice heard!
The Swedish NGO Secretariat on Acid Rain and the “Für Heuersdorf” Association (www.heuersdorf.de) are conducting a postcard and e-mail campaign addressed to the German Chancellor Angela Merkel - see the right hand column.
|
|
Send an e-mail to Mrs Merkel
If you like to take part, please send the letter below:
----------------------------------
Dear Chancellor Merkel,
Global warming must be kept below an average of 2°C to avoid catastrophic climate change. This target has been adopted by the European Union.
© ddp
As an industrial nation, Germany greatly contributes to destabilizing the Earth’s atmosphere. I therefore call upon the German government to legislate binding reductions of greenhouse gas emissions of at least 40 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050 (referred to 1990).This means that the use of fossil fuels must be quickly phased out. No new lignite mines should be opened in Germany and no further historic villages like Heuersdorf destroyed.
Energy conservation and renewable energy sources are entirely adequate for replacing lignite fuels.
(A copy of the mail will also be sent to your e-mail address) |
|
