Actually, it cannot be said how climate and environment will develop in the 21st century although intensively required with best methods. But one thing is for sure and this is shown in the europeanwide discussions referring the climate development: we all have to go for it to arrange and stabalize the living on our earth for the future.

The international Earth Summit in 1992 addressed urgent problems of environmental protection also to local communities. With participation 

in the Climate Alliance Herrenberg wants to strengthen the responibility of the sustainable development for today and in the future. Already before 1992 the town Herrenberg acted in this field in various ways. For example: model function of communal institutions regarding the environment, financial contribution in industrial effluents and preservation of  inshore waters and landscape.

Citizens and special fields of municipal authorities within the Local Agenda 21 enganged themselves to present and realise a detailed action programme. Examples of the project were: measurements in driving schools how to drive and save energy and a municipal aid programme in the field of energy.

The municipale authority installed about 400 sqm 'Solarabsorbermatten' to heat the water in the outdoor swimming pool. The result shows a saving of 40 t carbon dioxide annually.

On the roof of the 'Schickardt-Gymnasium a 'Photovoltaikanlage' was installed to generate solarenergy. This saves another 16 t carbon dioxide per year.

According to  'swabian mentality' the theme 'Häuslebau' was thought about by a group of pupils from the Schickardt-Gymnasium Herrenberg.

Under the critical point of view of these pupils the focus should be, that

the generation of the future should plan and build their houses

('Häuslebau') virtually.

A huge number of citizens were engaged in this project. Their support

was based on their experience, financial contribution and  their interest

in this project, which finally created the possiblity to discuss the protection of climate between the generations.

Looking back we can say that the environmental problems of a community cannot be solved only by the action of  the local government. The engagement of all (industry, citizens..etc.) is necessary. Only if we work together we will be able to prepare our town for the future.