It is 2041, the last German election before the country’s legal deadline for climate neutrality in 2045 is taking place this year.
Fifteen years ago, many doubted this would be possible. The breakthrough did not come from new technologies, but from a political and cultural shift. Instead of private profits the focus shifted to public luxury.
Mobility, energy, housing and internet access were increasingly put into public hands. Reliable trains, public parks, community kitchens and sport centers are now viewed as shared common goods. They are provided for everybody and are organized in solidarity by democratic control, not only by politicians, but citizen councils.
When it became clear that basic care was at the core of the political changes, people lost fear that they were being disadvantaged by ambitious economic and political goals.
The affordable food by primarily vegan and vegetarian community kitchens lowered the demand for carbon intensive agriculture. Most transportation is shifted to public transportation, and energy is provided by regenerative resources.
It became easier to envision a future that focuses on the needs of people and the ability to work together towards a sustainable and equitable society.
It is 2041, I hope we’ll have an election this year