Professional and Social Background:
Luisa Neubauer is one of Germany’s most prominent climate activists. She leads the country’s Fridays for Future movement and the 1.5 Grad—der Klima podcast. She studied geography at the University of Göttingen and developed a deep understanding of environmental systems, sustainability, and climate science. Her activism took off when she became involved with Fridays for Future, a movement that mobilizes youth to demand stronger climate action from governments. Luisa has worked alongside international figures such as Greta Thunberg to raise awareness of climate change on a global scale.
She regularly speaks at international conferences, including the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP), and has published several articles and books on the urgency of climate action. Her work has influenced Germany’s climate policy, pushing the country to take more aggressive action to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. Neubauer’s activism also extends to public engagement, including television appearances and debates with policymakers, where she advocates for renewable energy and decarbonization.
Contributions to Climate Change Mitigation in Germany:
She has been instrumental in raising awareness of the climate crisis in Germany, particularly through her leadership of the “Fridays for the Future” movement. Under her leadership, the movement has organized mass demonstrations nationwide, bringing climate change to the forefront of political discourse. These protests have directly influenced government policy, with Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government passing stronger climate change legislation due to public pressure.
Her efforts have also inspired Germany’s youth to take action and demand climate justice. In addition to organizing strikes, Luisa has led campaigns to divest from fossil fuels, advocate for carbon neutrality by 2035, and support a just transition to renewable energy. She has campaigned against government subsidies for coal in favour of biodiversity protection, land use reform, and sustainable agricultural practices.
Reasons for Nomination:
Luisa Neubauer deserves this award for her continued commitment to climate justice. Her leadership has had a tangible impact on both public opinion and government policy in Germany. Luisa embodies the spirit of climate activism, inspiring a generation of young people to take action for the future of our planet. Through her work, she has demonstrated that grassroots movements can drive real change, and her voice has been instrumental in holding policymakers accountable for their actions on climate change.
Going forward, Luisa Neubauer will play a key role in ensuring that Germany stays on track to meet its climate commitments. She will continue to serve as a bridge between youth movements, scientific communities, and policymakers, pushing for deeper cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, increased investment in green technologies, and policies that protect the most vulnerable communities from the impacts of climate change. After all, she has a strong base of supporters, is a validated and serious voice on climate issues, and has the spirit and mind to continue our quest for a better future.
Climate Scorecard Germany Country Manager Felipe Gartner submitted this Post.