Sustainability, Social Movements & Democracy: The Case of the Anti-Nuclear Power Movement

Table of Contents 1. The anti-nuclear power movement in Germany 2. Jusos and the nuclear power question 3. The SPD and the nuclear power question 4. Conclusions

The anti-nuclear power movement in Germany Anti-nuclear power movement = ecological social movement whose originis date back to the early 1970s Network of local, regional and national initiatives and organisations united in their rejection of the use of nuclear power and its consequences relatively diverse strongly organized in local contexts in particulary affected regions (e.g. nuclear waste depots) Support by national NGOs, e.g. Greenpeace, BUND, IPPNW Tradionally close ties to the Green Party

The anti-nuclear power movement in Germany The Case against Nuclear Power Nuclear Power is highly risky and threatens the population's safety There is not one single nuclear waste disposal site in the whole world The use of Nuclear Power leads to a concentration of wealth and power in the energy sector Nuclear Power slows down the expansion of renewable energy sources Nuclear Powers resource base uranium is not renewable and its exploitation is hazardous Nuclear Power creates no jobs in opposite to renewables

The anti-nuclear power movement in Germany 1979/80 Mass Demonstrations 1986 Tshernobyl st Nuclear Waste Transport 2000 „Nuclear Consensus“ 2009/10 Mass Demonstration against nuclear comeback

Jusos and the nuclear power question: history „Double Strategy“ ensured involvement in social movement debates Closer ties to anti-nuclear power movement Mid 1970s: Jusos claim to stop expanding the use of nuclear power (moratorium) Later (1980s) Anti-Nuclear Power Resolution:  Exit strategy: absolish nuclear power  Shut down nuclear power plants  Stop exporting nuclear technology

Jusos and the nuclear power question: today Policies Renewables and highly efficient fossil fuels instead of nuclear power Nuclear Power is not a renewable energy source, it does not contribute to the prevention of climate change Early industrialized countries are to carry the main burden of emission reduction network campaigns against nuclear power  Large-scale and local manifestations  Leaflets, Videos, Information

Jusos and the nuclear power question: campaigns

The SPD and the nuclear power question The SPD and the nuclear power question: history Original nuclear power policy Traditional labour movement faith in technical progress as a way of emancipation Mid 1970s: SPD-led Schmidt government sticks to Nuclear Power despite growing dicontent 1977 Compromise: no extension, no exit (moratorium) until question of nuclear waste disposal is solved

The SPD and the nuclear power question: history Change in Position in the mid 1980s Growing influence of social movements and the green movement influence of parts of the party, e.g. Jusos, grew in opposition after 1982 Historical situation revealing hazards (Tshernobyl accident 1986) By the end of the 1980s SPD deciced that the use of nuclear power should cease

Conclusion Social Movements can play an important role in bringing forward issues in the political agenda Youth movements are potentially important to bridge the gap between social movement activists and party politics Parties ignoring important issues coming up via social movements might face a rupture of the party

Thank you for your attention Obrigado Gracias