German environmentalism representing the influence of the past on today as highlighted in the book 'The Greenest Nation?' by Frank Uekoetter

This is a report based on the book 'The Greenest Nation?' by Frank Uekoetter where he explains how the past has played a role in shaping the environmentalism of Germany. He also mentions his views about what environmentalism is.

Germany and Austria have an enviable 'green' and 'environment friendly' reputation. Even environmentalists from other countries approve of the strict environmental laws and the world class technological yet environment friendly firms. Other positive aspects is the phase-out of nuclear power and how environment is involved in politics ie. The Green Party. The people are proud of these achievements and a green lifestyle to ensure a sustainable future has become part of the German national identity.

In 'The Greenest Nation?' Frank Uekötter summarizes the evolution of German environmentalism since the late nineteenth century. He mainly emphasizes on the early efforts at nature protection and urban sanitation, the Nazi experience, and civic mobilization in the postwar years. He explains that much of Germany's green reputation comes from accomplishments from the 1980s. He also emphasizes the mutually supportive roles of environmental nongovernmental organizations, corporations, and the state.

From a personal point of view, Uekötter looks at environmentalism from perspectives that people do not normally consider. These include civic activism, government policy, culture and life. He tries to eschew the usual focus on politics, prophets, and NGOs. He views German environmentalism in an international context, tracing transnational networks of environmental issues and actions and discussing German achievements in relation to global trends. When we bring his discussion up to the present he highlights the influence of the past on today's environmental decisions. 

Like the author, I also truly believe that as environmentalism is wrestling with the challenges of the twenty-first century, Germany and Austria could provide a laboratory for the rest of the world. In fact Europe in general can be taken as an example for the world to take practical lessons in treating the environment respectfully.

Reference:

https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/greenest-nation