Volker Blandow

I’m deeply convinced that we are at the beginning of a fundamental transition. We have to decarbonise our energy and transport systems. My way of thinking is clearly influenced by the 17 years I was honored to work with Dr. Ludwig Bölkow and his team in the think tank of LBST, thereof ten years with Dr. Bölkow. In the early 90s I worked mostly on PV-systems and its prospects on cost degression based on large scale production. Later the transport sector became dominant. While Dr. Bölkow focussed very much on “engineering” and technology options e.g. The "hydrogen economy", I think that the transition goes beyond. It's my firm believe that our lifes will change for the better while reducing energy consumption and decide for the low carbon lifestyles. It is not about giving up a claim, it is about evolution. But also about awareness and understanding how connected things are - e.g. Lifestyle vs. Carbon footprint. But it is also the insight that our current lifestyle can’t serve as an example to the whole world or to future generations. What is our legitimization to deploy natural resources in the way we are doing it within just 1 or 2 generations? Leaving behind hundreds of future generations with limited options? ( climate conditions / available resources) Thus, it is very obvious that at the end of the day the transition is not only about going renewable and to apply smarter transport systems. It is about closing material cycles, it is about implementing cradle to cradle concepts. And it is about decentralisation and to smart up in various aspects of life, education vs. Consumption. Growth must materialize in quality, sustainability and CSR not in quantity! It is our generation that needs to pave the way for future generations, generations that have no vote today but that rely on our foresight and willingness to care for their well-being. We are responsible for the future!