The recent reintroduction of compulsory military service in Germany is sparking a broader debate about mandatory civilian service and a surprising voice is advocating for its integration with environmental conservation efforts. Jörg-Andreas Krüger, President of Naturschutzbund Deutschland (NABU), a prominent nature conservation organization, is calling for the inclusion of NABU as a potential placement for individuals fulfilling their civilian service obligations.
Krüger acknowledged the potential challenges for young people undertaking such a commitment, drawing on his own positive experiences with civilian service. He argues that the escalating impacts of climate change – evidenced by increasing droughts, wildfires and extreme rainfall – necessitate a proactive approach to building societal resilience. Aligning civilian service with ecological restoration and reinforcement, he believes, would offer a valuable contribution.
However, Krüger’s advocacy is interwoven with a stark warning concerning the rising influence of the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party. He made it unequivocally clear that NABU would not collaborate with the AfD, citing the party’s consistent rejection of environmental protection efforts, its questioning of established climate science and its frequent attacks on environmental organizations. This stance highlights a deepening political divide within German society and the challenges faced by environmental groups.
NABU volunteers, Krüger detailed, are increasingly experiencing hostility and rejection from local communities, sometimes escalating to verbal abuse. They have also encountered attempts by AfD representatives to co-opt the organization’s activities for political gain. While NABU emphasizes avoiding unnecessary confrontations, Krüger underscored the heightened pressure faced by volunteers, particularly in eastern Germany and expressed understanding for the difficulties they encountered. The organization’s stated aim is to safeguard its volunteers from becoming entangled in politically charged conflicts, while simultaneously navigating a landscape where local opposition, often fuelled by AfD ideology, is becoming increasingly pervasive. The call for civilian service integration, therefore, appears to be not only about bolstering environmental resilience but also a strategic response to an increasingly polarized political climate.