Florian Ranft

Jun 20, 2024 | theguardian.com | Florian Ranft

We live in uncertain times. Economic shocks, technological changes, pandemics, the climate emergency and conflict after conflict have combined to create a widespread mood of insecurity. This might seem to be the natural realm of the political right: a politics oriented around the protection of the status quo and rooted in the appeal of hierarchy and tradition. In recent years we have seen how it can fuel the populist right in particular, with its politics of stratification, coercion and isolation.

May 24, 2024 | greeneuropeanjournal.eu | Zsuzsanna Végh |Filipe Henriques |Florian Ranft |Johanna Siebert

In recent years, Germany has blocked attempts to deepen European integration and strengthen EU-wide environmental regulations. How has the country with the greatest responsibility – and the most incentives – to “act European” turned into an obstacle to effective EU policymaking? Since the coalition government of Social Democrats (SPD), Greens (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen), and Liberals (FDP) took office in 2021, Germany has not played a particularly constructive role in EU decision-making.

Apr 18, 2024 | greeneuropeanjournal.eu | Samir Jeraj |Filipe Henriques |Florian Ranft |Johanna Siebert

Though the “war on drugs” has achieved nothing but violence and environmental degradation, green and progressive voices calling for evidence-based decriminalisation and legal regulation are struggling to take root in mainstream political discourse. As national politics in Europe turns right, a fresh push for change is coming from the cities. Earlier this year, the Green Mayor of Amsterdam Femke Halsema hit the headlines when she called for the legal regulation of cocaine.

Mar 12, 2024 | resilience.org | Florian Ranft |Johanna Siebert

External shocks, coalition infighting, and an opportunistic far right have driven the German government’s approval rate to a new low. Contested climate policies offer Greens in Berlin and across Europe some useful lessons: to gain support from the people, the green transition needs to address social concerns, allow for democratic participation, and be implemented locally.

Feb 27, 2024 | greeneuropeanjournal.eu | Florian Ranft |Johanna Siebert |Kate Crawford |Dario Antonelli

Lithium may be at the heart of the green transition, but mining the metallic element also causes damage to natural environments. In lithium-rich Portugal, modest rural communities join national outrage against governmental deals bypassing local economies and threatening livelihoods. A photo essay. On first impression Covas do Barroso, nestled between green mountains in northern Portugal, is no more than a handful of stone houses gathered around the junction of two roads.