Sabine Bock – Advisor for the Environment and Climate Protection

I was very happy to return to Erlangen and to be able to share my experiences here as a speaker. Much of the city feels very familiar to me, while much has changed significantly, and I take great pleasure in rediscovering—or, in some cases, discovering for the first time—these aspects. Erlangen had a profound influence on me during my youth: the everyday routine of riding a bike, the strong environmental awareness I experienced firsthand at my school, as well as the events of that time, such as forest dieback and the discussions about our energy supply following Chernobyl and in the wake of the Gulf War.

It is the dominant issue, because the urgency is clear. This was once again confirmed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Sixth Assessment Report. That is why it is important to me that this issue does not remain the sole responsibility of me, as the climate affairs officer, but rather becomes a priority for the entire city administration and the broader community. Only when climate protection becomes part of everyone’s daily routine will the necessary transformation be achieved.

The “Climate Revival” initiative is a continuation of the climate emergency resolution passed by the Erlangen City Council in 2019. The City Council has resolved to adhere to the 1.5°C target set in the Paris Agreement and to become climate-neutral by 2030. By developing the “Klimaaufbruch” roadmap, we are currently working with the local community to create a plan for how this goal can be achieved in Erlangen. Ultimately, everyone must get involved—only then can the “Klimaaufbruch” initiative truly take hold and climate neutrality be achieved within the necessary timeframe.

No more greenhouse gases will be emitted; energy will be used wisely, and the energy we need will be generated from renewable sources. This means solar panels on every roof, on building facades, and installed as canopies over bike paths. All our homes have been energy-efficiently renovated and consume hardly any energy at all. In addition, new open spaces, recreational areas, and green spaces are being created, since cars no longer require as much space and now account for only a quarter of the current fleet. And people are taking advantage of the mobility options available. Walking, biking, scooters, and public transit take priority in Erlangen—the public transit network has quadrupled, and there are mobility stations on every other corner. This is just a small glimpse of a climate-friendly Erlangen—of course, there’s much more to it.

During a city tour, I usually show my guests the Schlossplatz and the palace gardens, Schiffstrasse and the surrounding area, the Bergkirchweih grounds, and the Exerzierplatz nature reserve.

My favorite place is the park at Ohmplatz, because that's where I grew up.

It really depends on my mood. I especially enjoy live music—from opera to rock concerts.

Bicycle, photos, books.

Just send an email to my office at: umwelt-und-klimaschutzreferat@stadt.erlangen.de. You can also call us at 09131 – 863320.