Motivated by the students' commitment to FridaysforFuture, a group of scientists at the University of Oldenburg, Scientists4Future, is also active. Their goal is to strengthen the topic of climate protection at the UOL and thus also to make it more visible to the outside world. Following the example of the TU Berlin and other universities, the group is asking members of the University of Oldenburg to refrain from short-haul flights in future and to sign a voluntary commitment .

Even if short-haul flights do not make up the majority of business trips at the university, refraining from such flights is a good first step towards contributing to climate protection.

Universities are particularly challenged in this field of action. International cooperation is indispensable for scientific work and is thus part of the self-image of universities with strong research capabilities. However, the associated travel is one of the most important institutional sources of greenhouse gases. By switching to climate-friendly means of transport and using virtual communication, we as researchers, lecturers, management and administrative staff can also contribute to reducing or limiting mobility-related greenhouse gas emissions.

The basic idea is to voluntarily renounce short-haul flights of up to 1,000 km by signing a self-commitment declaration.* Short-haul flights are particularly easy to replace with much more climate-friendly rail travel.

* This ambitious goal was deliberately chosen. It goes without saying that the journey times can vary greatly depending on the connection offers for 1,000 km. The appeal by all universities usually means journeys of up to 12 hours.

Sign today and forward the link to this website to all your colleagues around you!

It is now time to follow words with deeds and set an example for more climate protection at the University of Oldenburg!

Initial signatories: