1.5 degrees: Global warming must not increase by this amount if our world is to continue to function. Limiting the rise in the global average temperature to below 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels was set out in the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015. To ensure that this limit is not exceeded, every region must make a contribution, including Upper Franconia. This is why forum1.5 was founded in 2017 on the initiative of Prof. Dr. Manfred Miosga, Professor of Urban and Regional Development at the University of Bayreuth and President of the Bavarian Academy of Rural Areas. The aim was and is to work together with different groups and stakeholders to find effective solutions to the climate crisis locally. Individuals, but also associations, representatives of the municipal administration and companies are active here. Behind forum1.5 is the RegioTransform research project at the University of Bayreuth. This project has been funded by the Bavarian State Ministry of the Environment and Consumer Protection since 2018.
Many so-called “social innovations” have emerged from forum1.5 that offer solutions to socio-ecological challenges. For example, the producer-consumer community Hamsterbacke was created, which runs the first and only unpackaged store in Bayreuth. forum1.5 was also able to support the “StrohStadtStaunen” initiative (2021 - 2023). Here, a meadow orchard in Obernsees was used to demonstrate how sustainable building with straw and clay is possible. This year's regional climate conference for Upper Franconia is currently being prepared around forum1.5. Between November 11 and 21, experts from various fields will come together for the second time to work together to meet the 1.5°C limit here on site.
Prof. Dr. Manfred Miosga in particular is delighted with the award: “The award for forum1.5 shows how important cooperation between stakeholders from science, civil society and the community is for tackling the challenges of the climate crisis. This award encourages us to continue pursuing this approach.”
The City of Bayreuth's Environmental and Nature Conservation Prize is awarded every two years for special achievements in the protection of the environment and nature. It is endowed with 2,500 euros and can be awarded to individuals, groups of people, but also to initiatives, clubs or associations that are resident or based in the city of Bayreuth. forum1.5 will use the prize money to support the Upper Franconia Climate Conference.
Ulf Boderius, Chairman of the Bayreuth Green Party and long-time supporter of forum1.5, nominated the transformation platform for the award: “The development of forum1.5 from a research project to a recognized and established platform for discussing issues of climate protection and climate adaptation, which enables a constructive exchange and transfer of knowledge between science, civil society, business and politics, is extremely impressive. In particular, the concrete proposals for action and solutions for local issues developed from the events make this format so valuable for the people of Upper Franconia that I nominated it for the Environmental and Nature Conservation Award. I am very pleased that the Bayreuth City Council supported my proposal.”
