The German Environmental Movement at a Crossroads?

To outsiders, the environmental movement in Germany is relatively strong and successful. Measured in terms of its organisational strength and protest activities, the movement is not in decline. Professionalisation and institutionalisation have allowed it to become a respectable player in established politics. Nowadays, environmentalism seems to be embraced by all social forces. Yet the movement is confronted with a number of crucial questions about its future. Although some improvements can be identified, environmental degradation continues. The institutionalisation of major parts of the movement, and few signs of further progress, give rise to problems within the movement.