Interview with Meris Sehovic, alderman of the City of Esch, responsible for environment and mobility, among other areas.
How did your keen interest in ecology come about?
My first contact with ecology and climate change was around 2008/2009, when my mother showed me the American documentary “An Inconvenient Truth” by Al Gore. For many people of my generation, this was THE documentary that made us understand the scale and especially the dangers of climate change. The same day, shocked by this brutal awakening, I became a member of déi Gréng, and I’ve been committed to the well-being of our planet ever since.
The 2nd edition of the Citizens’ Forum for the Climate will take place in May, a unique event where citizens can engage with various experts on environmental issues. What role can citizens play on the path towards a more sustainable city?
Today, living in an environmentally respectful way requires extra effort and often means additional financial costs. In the future, it should become the norm and accessible to everyone; that’s why I approach this from a systemic level.
To give a concrete example: we are launching a pilot project for balcony power plants (small PV installations for balconies) with a turnkey solution, generously subsidized to benefit as many people as possible. I call this the democratization of the energy transition.
Instead of trying to educate people to adopt certain behaviors—which isn’t the role of a politician—we aim to get them on board through accessible offers like this. To mobilize people effectively, it’s crucial to do it together with the people. Hence, the importance of formats like Klimawoch, where we inform citizens about our priorities and projects regarding climate change adaptation, followed by the Citizens’ Forum for the Climate to discuss our climate policy.
Besides these various spaces for exchange, does the City of Esch already offer concrete support to facilitate the ecological transition of its residents?
To effectively tackle the climate crisis, we must act at all levels. And the local level, at the municipality, is key for doing this together with residents. That’s why the City of Esch already provides a variety of financial aids to facilitate the transition toward a more sustainable lifestyle, especially in the areas of mobility, circular economy, and energy efficiency.
Leading by example, we have several ongoing projects to remove pavement from various squares in Esch’s city center and replace it with green spaces or water features to better respond to urban warming.
And since every green space counts, we are currently working on a new “ecological redevelopment” subsidy. This subsidy will support residents financially when they depave their private land (for example, replacing gravel gardens with lawns), green their facades or roofs, or plant native plants or flowers beneficial to biodiversity.
What is your vision for the City of Esch regarding its ecological future development?
I am convinced that the City of Esch has the ideal microcosm of committed citizens and active associations necessary for ecological and social transition, positioning us to become Luxembourg’s Capital of Transition. This potential is already evident through initiatives from associations like Transition Minett, CIGL Esch, Ensemble Quartiers Esch, Haus vum Vëlo, Esch Biken, and many others.
My vision includes making Esch the first city in the country to achieve carbon neutrality, which for me is synonymous with quality of life and tangible benefits for everyone. Specifically, I envision concepts such as the 15-minute city, a complete and safe cycling network, expanded local production of green electricity, and green spaces as essential places for interaction and community—always developed for and with the citizens.
Thank you, Mr. Sehovic, for this enriching exchange!