This year’s German Environmental Award, one of the most highly endowed environmental awards in Europe, has been presented to two individuals in recognition of their practical solutions for protecting the planet. Peatland researcher Dr Franziska Tanneberger and electrical engineer Thomas Speidel were awarded the prize, totalling 500,000 euros, at a ceremony in Mainz today. The award will be presented by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
The award winners were chosen for their exemplary efforts in the fields of peatland conservation and sustainable energy solutions. Dr Tanneberger has shown that peatland protection and utilisation are not contradictory and that sustainable use of wet peatlands is possible. Meanwhile, Speidel has demonstrated innovative strength, strategic foresight, and economic daring in his work on electromobility.
According to DBU Secretary-General Alexander Bonde, both Tanneberger and Speidel are “real practical pioneers” who serve as role models for others. They have proven that it is possible to find solutions to pressing environmental issues and that we must not give up in the face of crises and conflicts. Bonde adds, “Tanneberger and Speidel are people who dare to break new ground and thus encourage others. Despite the many wars and crises, we must not despair but continue to work to preserve the planet.”
DBU Board of Trustees Chairman Prof Dr Kai Niebert also emphasized the importance of recognizing and exploiting opportunities for change. He believes that both natural climate protection and electromobility have the potential to inspire ecological change and that we must have confidence in our abilities to make a positive impact. “We must not capitulate to the acute problems,” says Niebert. “Franziska Tanneberger and Thomas Speidel make this impressively clear to us.”
The DBU hopes that by awarding this prestigious prize to Dr Tanneberger and Mr Speidel, they can send a message of confidence and hope to the world. Despite the challenges we face, there are individuals like Tanneberger and Speidel who are leading the way towards a more sustainable future.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.