Helmut Melzer
"2020 - the year in which everything changes," hoped many NGOs and supporters of the great transformation. Covid-19 thwarted these plans. Because of the impending global economic crisis, the chances of rapid change are poor. This particularly affects the climate referendum in Austria and its impact. My forecast: Apart from a few alibi campaigns, there will be hardly any significant progress. The economy struck by Covid-19 will have to serve as an excuse.
The slogan mentioned at the beginning is great: Because the need for positive change does not only apply to a change to sustainability. The number of grievances is so extensive that a list goes beyond the scope. The main problem here is that some of them are so old that for many they are simply considered “normal”: we like to buy cheap stuff from China and thus tolerate political oppression. Products are not only sent around the world, they are also made at starvation wages - and we are amazed at global poverty and flight. That a resignation after a political scandal in Austria doesn't even last a year is almost trivial.
The corona lockdown currently showed what would be politically possible. Despite the complexity, it is easy to answer why little changes: it is mostly about profit, supported by political power, lack of transparency and disinformation.
So if we want far-reaching positive changes, we first have to shake the basics. For me it is clear: Real, comprehensive progress - against the will of the system itself - can only be peacefully enforced through the further development of democracy. Means: more rights for civil society, the people. It is also clear, and is historically proven: In the long term, reason and necessity prevail. But only if there is a fight for it.
PS: Here is an extremely captivating video on the topic of Greenpeace Switzerland - from before the Corona crisis:
Photo / Video: Option.
