Florian Wendler is a former electrical engineer who decided to switch to the field of sustainability. He is working at UNU-Flores, a global think tank for collaborative research. His daily work involves taking sustainability aspects from research and effectively communicating them to policymakers.
If you were to take part in the elbMUN conference, which country would you choose to represent in discussions on water scarcity? Which country do you think would offer the most engaging perspective on this issue?
Florian Wendler: There are many countries to consider, but personally, I would choose to represent Chile. During my studies, I spent a year in Chile near Santiago and witnessed firsthand the impact of water scarcity. They grow avocados in areas close to the mountains, drawing significant amounts of water from rivers, as well as for mining purposes. This combination, along with climate change, causes significant suffering for the local population.
In contrast, in Germany, water scarcity isn't a daily issue for most people; we can access ample water from the tap. However, in agriculture, the effects are more pronounced, especially after last year's catastrophes. My choice would be Chile because I believe we can make a real difference for the people there.
Who would be most affected by water scarcity in Chile? If you were the delegate representing Chile, what would be your agenda to address this issue?
Florian Wendler: Initially, it's crucial to listen to the people and understand their needs and the diverse interests of all stakeholders. My first step would involve analyzing the current situation, examining the dependencies that have led to the present status quo. From there, I would identify who wants what and work on finding solutions and trade-offs that can drive progress. This process would involve conducting interviews and assessing the perspectives of different stakeholders.
You mentioned studying in Chile, and you pursued a degree in electrical engineering. What led you to transition into the field of sustainability?
Florian Wendler: That's a great question. I started studying electrical engineering, initially focusing on renewable energies, which is a subset of the field but still distinct. At the time, my interests were centered around theoretical problems and approaches, such as mathematics and electrodynamics.
As my studies progressed, I realized the importance of thinking in systems rather than just pursuing isolated technical solutions. It's not solely about growth for the sake of growth or producing products for consumption; it should be about understanding what people truly need.
A key turning point for me was when I joined an environmental and climate group at my university, albeit late in my studies. This group exposed me to individuals with visions and ideas that I didn't often encounter in my engineering classmates, who were more focused on obtaining a degree and making money. This experience shifted my perspective and guided me towards sustainability in a professional context.
Do you believe it is important for more students from STEM fields to engage in politics?
Florian Wendler: I would strongly encourage students to get involved in politics, associations, and volunteer projects. University is an ideal time to take advantage of these opportunities because it offers a lot of freedom and independence, allowing for trial and error. While these opportunities can be pursued throughout life, they are much easier to access during university.
This kind of engagement is crucial for society as a whole, as it helps to bring people together across different fields of study such as humanities, social sciences, economics, business administration, and electrical engineering. In my own experience, electrical engineering students mostly interacted with each other, but when I joined the climate group, I encountered a diverse mix of 20 people from different disciplines. This offered me a fresh perspective and enriching discussions on various topics. I would recommend everyone to take part in these kinds of experiences.
Anna Abraham and Pareel Amre