Hungarian Conservative

As of today bottles, PET bottles, and aluminium cans can no longer be placed on the market in Hungary without a return deposit logo. Also from today three thousand REpont machines are becoming operational, mostly in the largest retail stores, while in a thousand smaller shops or kiosks consumers will be able to return the bottles manually.

As part of the SopronFest series, János Áder, Chairman of the Blue Planet Climate Protection Foundation, addressed various topics during the recorded conversation, including the difference in attitudes towards environmental issues between Generation Y, which grew up with digitalization, and Generation Z, which was born into it.

Former President János Áder spoke about his podcast initiative, the Blue Planet podcast, emphasizing the need to address environmental concerns. He explained that when launching the podcast in October 2020 his aim was to reach as many people as possible, especially the youth, with discussions on sustainability and solutions to environmental issues.

Today every secondary school student is familiar with the concept of sustainability. In recent years, the common concern for climate change, resource scarcity, and ecological crisis has prompted youth to seek ways to take action.

Among the foods eaten in Italy at Easter, Gianni Annoni highlighted lamb, which is mainly imported from Hungary. He added that eggs are also important, used to decorate savoury cakes, especially in southern Italy, along with spring vegetables and Easter desserts.

János Áder, Chairman of the Blue Planet Climate Protection Foundation and his guest discussed the possibilities and challenges of transitioning to a circular economy for the sake of sustainability.

On 23 October 1956, István Üsztöke participated in the production of the famous sixteen points demanding democracy as a printer, for which he had to flee from Hungary. He emigrated to the US, where he worked as a printer until his retirement, then as a real estate agent, a candy man, and finally as a TV producer, for which he was personally honoured by former Hungarian President János Áder.

Áder pointed out that Hungary’s gas consumption decreased by one billion cubic metres, or ten percent, in the past year, and the share of fossil energy in the ‘energy mix’ decreased by one thousand one hundred megawatts.

Áder noted that in Europe alone, 10 to 12 million cars are produced annually, and from 2035 onwards, only electric cars will roll off the assembly lines. This means that in Europe, 10 to 12 million batteries will be needed annually for car production.

Professor András Gelencsér reminded that fossil fuel emissions have continuously increased since the Paris climate accord, except during the COVID period. Regarding the utilization of solar and wind energy, dependent on environmental conditions, Gelencsér stated that the world cannot function without stable electricity production, which requires the use of fossil raw materials or nuclear energy.

State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy Gábor Czepek told former President János Áder in the latest episode of the Blue Planet podcast that the Hungarian government’s goal is to produce at least 50 per cent of electricity sustainably by the early 2030.

During the discourse, both the former head of state and the minister underscored the multifaceted ecosystem of arable lands, emphasizing that without the presence of fungi, bacteria, and other organisms, the land cannot yield an adequate quantity of high-quality food.

The comprehensive discussion covered diverse aspects of waste management, showcasing MOL Group’s commitment to sustainable practices and environmental responsibility.

Preparing for Christmas should not equal plenty of spending and waste: if we resort to the good old practices of our grandparents, we can be frugal and environmentally conscious at the same time.

Following the proceedings of COP 28 online from Budapest, former Hungarian President János Áder stated that the goals previously articulated by the committee were accurate. Recognizing that 80 per cent of the effects of climate change are felt through water, it was appropriate to highlight the need for the integration of climate, meteorological, and water databases and the establishment of a global hydrological information system.

In his presentation titled ‘Digitalization in Service of Sustainable Development,’ Áder pointed out that the National Digitalization Strategy set the goal for the widespread adoption of technologies and the expansion of capabilities by the government. According to the strategy, by 2030, 95 per cent of households will be covered by a gigabit-capable network.

The ceremony was attended by President Katalin Novák, former Presidents János Áder and Pál Schmitt, House Speaker László Kövér, several members of the government, Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony, members of the diplomatic corps, as well as representatives of churches and parliamentary parties, and several justices of the Constitutional Court.

According to Áder, a viable solution in preventing a global climate disaster can only be reached through an agreement involving the G20 nations, wherein the preferred and sanctioned activities are outlined. He stressed the need for a well-monitored system that prioritizes long-term sustainability over competitive advantage.

Regarding their first product, beer mash granola, the founder and chief executive of the upcycling enterprise Ételmentő explained that beer mash, a by-product of brewing, was traditionally used as animal feed, and today it is sometimes discarded. However, the company she founded transforms it into a breakfast cereal rich in fibre, protein, and vitamin B.

In the latest episode of the Blue Planet podcast, Hungarian company Waterscope’s patent called the ‘smart hydrant’ was discussed. The invention allows the collection of data in places where it would otherwise be impossible, due to lack of electricity or signal.

If our goal is to prioritise food production, tradition alone is not enough; adaptation and modernisation are also necessary, stated János Lázár, to which János Áder added that the record number of applicants to the Mezőhegyes Agricultural School proves that young people find this modernised agriculture attractive and see a future in it.

Hungary’s first female president took office in especially troubled times with a war raging in a neighbouring country. However, despite the challenges, she grew into the role of president quite fast and seamlessly, and has represented Hungary country in many high-profile diplomatic missions since her inauguration.

On his Blue Planet podcast, János Áder, former President of Hungary sat down to talk to the mayors of Kaposvár and Debrecen to discuss the progress the cities have made regarding their commitment to reduce their carbon footprint by 80 per cent by 2050.

President János Áder and his wife, Anita Herczegh, are setting up a foundation to help children orphaned by the coronavirus, the President himself announced in a radio interview on Sunday.

The first and also one of the most difficult tasks is to raise public support for climate issues in Hungary in such a way that instead of sink into “climate depression” motivates individuals and communities to take action.