Basler Klimaweg
English Summary
Willkommen auf dem Klimaweg!
Welcome to the Climate Path!
*** The texts are available on the boards at each station in German, this is a
shortened summary ***
How to find the origin:
page 1
Basler Klimaweg
English Summary
Let’s start the Basel Climate Path (Klimaweg)!
The Klimaweg is a 6km-long footpath between Riehen Hörnli and St.Chrischona.
Along the way we will stop at 17 places (stations), which show us interesting
information about nature and climate change. The aim of the Klimaweg is to
provoke thought, awareness, and discussion on what climate change means for us
today, and also how we may react and respond to change in creative ways to
protect the climate and our global environment for future generations. We will also
find advice and tips for the efficient use of energy in everyday life.
Station 1: The forest gate
Climate change and me
This is the starting point of the Basel Klimaweg.
The average weather conditions over a long time period define our climate. Climate
change is associated with long-term significant changes in weather patterns –
page 2
Basler Klimaweg
English Summary
which may be due to natural causes or by changes people have made to the land or
atmosphere.
To deal with climate change is a big challenge. Although we may have to change
our existing behaviours, tackling climate change may open up a new way of seeing
the world in a practical way which requires mutual responsibility and the use of new
and existing technologies for success. The Basel Klimaweg provides us with a fun
opportunity to look at the challenges which climate change presents us with.
> Make a record of your walk today by taking notes, photos, or collecting one or
two samples along the way.
Station 2: The labyrinth
Where are the humans going?
A Labyrinth is one of the oldest cultural symbols
known to man. It is a circle of being and a path
which leads humans to the centre of the world and
back again.
However to reach the goal in the middle you may
need to follow the path in different directions. This may offer us new and different
views of the labyrinth and its surroundings.
Maybe this is how we need to react to the challenges of climate change? Maybe we
need to look at the issue from different angles in order to deal with it effectively?
Let the labyrinth bring you to the centre - just follow the path, you cannot get lost!
page 3
Basler Klimaweg
English Summary
Station 3:
Forest and climate change
Forest and climate are connected and influence each other. Many different kinds of
forest grow in every climate zone. If the climate is changing, then the trees also
change.
Trees influence the climate in a big way, because not only do they produce oxygen,
they also take out carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. When growing, the
trees use the CO2 to build-up carbon in their cells and free oxygen. When the tree
dies, the CO2 is released back into the air.
To maintain a balance it is therefore important to manage forests in a sustainable
way. In this sense sustainable means that only as much wood is harvested as can be
grown in the same time. If more wood is taken or burnt the CO2 balance is negative.
Trees are our planets lungs. Fire clearance of big surfaces of forests, especially in the
tropics, plays a big role in the warming of the climate. Luckily the forests in
Switzerland are protected and the sustainable use of them is guaranteed.
Station 4: Clay pit
14 Billion years
The development of the universe from the big bang took 14 billion years. When we
put the history of civilisation in one year, we humans were hunters and gatherers for
364 days. Only on the last day did we become farmers and only in the last few
hours did we become industrialised.
The basic instincts from the time of hunters and gatherers are still deeply rooted in
us. Our ancestors experienced several long periods of climate change including ice
ages and warm times with palm trees and tropical like climates. The history of
page 4
Basler Klimaweg
English Summary
mankind is also a history of continuous adaptation to changing climate. This history
is evident from a fossil record.
> What are fossils?
> How are they created?
> What information do fossils provide us with?
Station 5: The natural meadow
Species that like it warm
An increase in temperature associated with climate change will lead to visible
changes in nature.
Here, in the warm chalk rocks of the meadow, a species of lizard which was
originally found in Italy migrated and established itself as the dominant species. It
suited the climate and habitat better than the other species of lizard.
Conditions in this part of the forest favour the growth of newly planted oak trees,
which are home to more than 500 species of insects. Some of these insects are
pests, which harm and damage the trees. A dramatic example is a species of moth,
which almost completely destroyed the boxwood forest between stations 7 and 8.
An overgrowth of plant species, which can profit from the climate warming can also
tip the biological balance in a negative way.
page 5
Basler Klimaweg
English Summary
Station 6:
Storm surface
One consequence of climate change is the worldwide increase of extreme climatic
events and their consequences: strong rains, dry periods, heat waves, storms, floods
etc. For example the number of hurricanes is increasing.
Around Christmas 1999, Switzerland was struck by one of the biggest storms ever
recorded. Wind speeds reached around 150 km/h in lower areas and more than
250 km/h on some mountains. Besides buildings and infrastructure, forests
suffered severe damage resulting in substantial economic loss. This part of the
forest is a total forest reserve and the dead wood is not taken away.
What we see here up on the hillside is the result of storms of the last years. Nature
responds to what climate change brings but mankind must help to combat and deal
with climate change more effectively, whatever the cost.
Station 7:
Climate summit
Please note that this station is also a picnic place – so please stay within the
designated area!
At this panoramic viewpoint we can see buildings and
objects that were created by humans in order to protect the
climate. For example they produce efficient energy or
contribute to lower CO2 emissions. These exemplary projects
stand out as pinnacles of achievement or summits in
today’s climatic landscape. The Basel region is far advanced
in its energy policy and climate protection. There are
page 6
Basler Klimaweg
English Summary
different sources of renewable energy which are climate friendly.
> How many sources of energy can you see?
> Which ones can damage our climate?
> Which ones are climate friendly?
Station 8: At the boundary stone
Borders
Climate change has no borders. Hurricanes and industrial emissions do not stop at
boundary stones. However the consequences of climate change can move borders
between water and land, between rich and poor, between neighbouring nations.
This climate path takes you along the border of Switzerland and Germany.
Government departments and foresters of both countries have cooperated to enable
this project. Such cross-border cooperation will become even more important in the
future if we are to tackle climate change effectively.
> How many border stones (“Grenzsteine”) are there along the Klimaweg?
> Which one is the oldest?
page 7
Basler Klimaweg
English Summary
Station 9:
The silence
Silence is the lack of audible sound. It is an important element in all wisdoms and
traditions around the globe. Be silent for a few minutes. Be aware of the sounds of
the forest, and beyond.
> Is there total silence?
> Can you hear a bird singing, or trees rustling, or an aeroplane overhead?
> What else can you hear?
Return to the roots means: silence
Silence means: return to ones purpose
Return to the purpose means: eternity
Recognizing the eternal means: enlightment
Laotse
Station 10: Indras net
I am a pearl. You are a pearl.
‘Everything is connected to everything and everything depends on everything’. This
is a central theme in both Western and the Eastern wisdoms. We feel the effects of
climate change on the networks which link and form our global community and try
to respond as best we can to restore and repair things when they get damage e.g.
after an earthquake, hurricane or Tsunami.
A memorable picture of interconnection was supplied by Indra, a powerful king in
old India. He wanted to create a monument and asked an architect and his
treasurer to fulfil this task. Consequently, the architect built a huge net that covered
page 8
Basler Klimaweg
English Summary
space and time. The treasurer put pearls in Indras net. Each and every one of us has
the universe in him or her. We are connected to all others.
> How big is our common net?
Station 11: The alley of banners
Wisdom
Like climate change wisdom also does not obey borders. Since we now have a
common global communication and internet access to knowledge of all cultures the
world has become a global village. On this part of the path you will find wisdoms
from around the world, which can inspire us.
> Do you have any personal wisdom which you would like to share along the
Klimaweg?
page 9
Basler Klimaweg
English Summary
Wisdoms from around the world:
Even a way of thousand miles begins with one step.
Chinese wisdom
Who is rich? The one who is satisfied with his life.
Talmud
There is nothing more exciting than to take what is
coming. Dalai Lama
The ability to live in peace with other humans and
the world depends on the ability to live in peace
with oneself. Thich Nhat Hanh
The trees, the flowers, the herbs, they grow in
silence. The stars, the sun, the moon, they move in silence. The silence gives us a new
view on things. Mother Theresa
Crazy is if one is always doing the same thing and each time expects a different
result. Albert Einstein
Before we solve our problems, we have to heal our souls. Michelle Obama
Be the change you want to see in the world. Mahatma Gandhi
When the time comes in which you could, the time is over when you can. Marie von
Ebner-Eschenbach
The best way to predict the future is to create it. Willy Brandt
page 10
Basler Klimaweg
English Summary
Station 12: The giant seesaw
New balances
Balancing change is like walking: you have to risk the balance at every step in order
to move forward. Nature and climate change can tip the balance in undesirable
ways. The challenge is to find new ways to tackle climate change and maintain the
balance. Change the balance on our tree and find a new one with every step.
Station 13: The sky swing
Freedom
When was the last time you played
on a swing? Try it. It is important to
maintain your momentum in order
to swing high! Society must
maintain its freedom to tackle
climate change!
On the board:
poem from Joseph Beuys
page 11
Basler Klimaweg
English Summary
Station 14: The twins
The talk of the twins
On the board: story about twins talking to each other about their mother in the
belly. Should stand for mother earth is around us although we don’t always notice.
Station 15: The stone arch
Showing empathy
Planted here is an elder bush because this plant is an ancient sign for rebirth or
regrowth. Even though one can prune this plant to the ground it quickly grows
again.
This property was used in times of war or uncertain change when it was desirable to
hide valuables, jewellery and gold in a secret place in the ground. If it was hidden
below an elder, the parts of the plant above earth could be cut-off and the place
identified again years later because the bush had regrown and one knew where to
dig to find the hidden things.
Due to natural catastrophes caused by the climate (like floods or storms) many
people throughout the world become homeless refugees. Many are children. Today
we do not need to hide valuables below these bushes. In this bush there is a box
where walkers on the Klimaweg can make a donation to the UNICEF program,
which fights hunger and malnutrition and gives first aid to children.
page 12
Basler Klimaweg
English Summary
Station 16: Seven Tipps
Less
Nobody likes to hear „less“. Less turnover and the share price falls. Less salary and
the self esteem falls. Less love and the relationship is in danger. Less food and
health-care and education and our bodies suffer.
To change the perspective may seem difficult – but it can be done: less work can
bring more freedom. Less consumption can lead to increased availability of food.
Less mobility can create space. Less responsibility can increase the amount of
available time.
In each of these examples less is not only more, but different: a different feeling of
life, a different experience of time, more intensive experiences of events, a different
understanding of oneself. If we move outside the categories of less and more, if we
limit materialism where it makes sense - fulfilling our basic needs - then outlooks on
life may become more worthwhile.
Mobility
Less is more. And different. The easiest way to experience this saying is in the area
of mobility.
Traffic causes one third of the Swiss energy consumption. Some ideas how you
could be mobile in a more climate friendly way: change to the bike, if you have to
drive far get an e-bike with an electric motor. Use public transport if possible, also
for city trips within Europe. Use the advantages of a car without owning one. Car
sharing makes it possible (Mobility). Spend your vacation in the mountains or on a
lake instead of flying around the world. Compensate your CO2 emissions when
travelling far. For example at www.myclimate.org. Move close to your workplace.
page 13
Basler Klimaweg
English Summary
Consumption
What’s the motivation behind our consumption of goods? If we buy something we
fulfil a certain desire: Often it is not the desire for the object itself, but the feeling or
social status which it provides. What more is there to satisfy if our basic needs are
fulfilled? To consume more consciously does not mean to eliminate many things
from your wish list. Instead, it means to ask yourself where you are and also to
check if an object really fulfils your true needs. The more consciously we buy, the
less we will consume in the end. In turn the things that we consume may satisfy us
even more.
Housing
Saving energy is good for the climate because we are very dependent on fossil
energy like oil or gas that produce CO2 when burnt. In housing this is possible in a
simple way: Only heat as much as necessary. This means 16-18 degrees in the
bedroom and 20 degrees in living rooms. Save warm water: shower instead of
bathing, wash your hands and brush your teeth with cold water. Buy energy
efficient devices and avoid losses through standby. Whoever respects these tips is
helping both the climate and their own wallet.
Shopping
Home is the place where we feel comfortable. Our bodies know where we live. In
the optimal case we get used to the air, the light and the food in our home.
Because of this local products are usually good for the body. We get used to the
advantages of regional products and rely-on and trust the producers because we
page 14
Basler Klimaweg
English Summary
know them and they are close. So should we buy our vegetables at a farm or at a
supermarket? If we shop on bike or foot, rather than by car, we may save over 50%
of the transport energy that is in the products on your plate.
Nutrition
Meat production requires a lot of space for the animals and for plantation of their
forage crops. The transformation from rain forest to forage crops and meadows has
contributes to the destruction of the rainforest in Brazil. The fertilisers which are
used on the meadows make the climate change even stronger. Beef production
results in large quantities of methane, a greenhouse gas that has 20 times the
effect of CO2. Eating less meat is therefore a simple but effective measure against
climate change. There are the following rules of thumb: the less meat, the better for
the climate. Biological is better than conventional, local is better than imported.
Planting trees
Nobody can save the world alone. But each of us can do something against climate
change, for example by planting a tree. One single tree converts up to 1 tonne of
CO2 in its lifetime. Plant a tree every year, in your garden or nearby. There are
several organisations through which one can donate trees that will be planted at
the place of your choice.
page 15
Basler Klimaweg
English Summary
Station 17: The alley of flags
Here and now
School classes have represented their wishes and hopes
with regards to the future and to climate change. The
children and teenagers have worked with a lot of
enthusiasm and engagement. The result of this is the
alley of flags.
Young people create the future but what the future will
bring is unknown. Today we must recognise what
mankind has achieved and the tasks that future
generations will need to face in order to combat climate
change effectively.
page 16
Basler Klimaweg
English Summary
Notes
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
page 17
Basler Klimaweg
English Summary
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
page 18