Go Green!

The protection of the environment has become a significant part of day-to-day life all around the world.  This movement was initiated by realization of the negative consequences of human activity – such as the many chemicals we are omitting into the atmosphere.   The concern for the future of the planet has been driven by today’s youth as well as educated individuals, who hope that attention to the issue will ensure a future for our species. 

This social movement has transformed into a way of life.  The implementation of a Green Party is common in most multiparty systems.  The success of the Green Party in many countries has been limited, however the Green Party in Germany has triumphed beyond any other Green Party around the world.

            Many components of the German political culture have contributed to the success of the German Green Party.  The Green Party’s stance on antiwar and their focus on sustaining the future attracted a substantial amount of voter support.  This support combined with Germany’s implementation of the mixed-proportional electoral system facilitated the Green Party’s entrance into parliament (De Pommereau  2). 

            Achieving seats in parliament was only the initial struggle for the German Green Party.  The Greens now needed to focus on sustaining the party’s support and expanding.  According to The Wallstreet Journal, the Green Party’s gradual movement away from the extreme left has allowed for more voters to identify with the party’s platform, even stealing seats from the CDP.   The failures of the current German government (the CDP), has only enhanced the progress of the Greens.  In situations such as the use and expansion of nuclear energy promoted by the CDP government has allowed the Green Party to grasp more support (Hawley 1).

            Is the Green Party a passing fad?  I think not.  Since the parties initial success in the 1960s, the Green Party has drastically influenced German political culture.  Environmentalism has now become a component integral part of the German economy.  The county’s extensive investments in the production and discovery of renewable resources, particularly solar energy, have ensured the survival of environmentalism (De Pommereau 1).  The progress of environmentalism only suggests that the Green Party will only continue to flourish, at least for the foreseeable future.