Photo by Paco Villalta

Frank Fremerey is the executive director of the Volt parliamentary group in the Bonn City Council. He is also an author, photographer and project manager. Born in Beuel on the right bank of the Rhine in 1966, he studied physics and worked as a science journalist for radio and the scientific press. He also worked as a project manager in the media and in the construction industry. For the father of two children, the world is a miracle that can only be grasped and mastered to some extent through constant learning and personal development. 

What drives you, Frank?

“Curiosity drives me. I never stop learning. I love rubbing my ideas against reality and realizing them in the process, usually in a modified form, often significantly improved.” Today, turning one’s ideas into reality also means political engagement. In the 2019 European election campaign, Frank began to campaign for a reformed and sustainable Europe. Frank Fremerey not only wants to change his hometown in a sustainable way, but also to create approximately equal living conditions for all people worldwide.

Growing inequality and growing inequity

One part of humanity is researching the establishment of a colony on Mars, the other lives in medieval-like ignorance and intolerance. For all, change is unsettling. However, everyone should make an effort right now to overcome the rifts, to approach each other and to work towards change. 

Humans as part of dynamic natural processes

In Frank’s view, the way to do this leads directly to nature. His message is a new kind of observation of nature with the goal of becoming a part of it, of becoming a part of its dynamic processes, in order to be able to protect it in turn. The previous scientific-analytical distance has to be overcome. The relationship between the human and natural environment must be re-established from the perspective of a protector.

Biodiversity as the key

The multifaceted relationship of humans to nature is what is worth protecting. The key is the magnificent complexity of the different ecosystems. Humans are thus reminded again and again of their responsibility for the planet. Diversity or diversification mean that every necessary function is occupied more than once. In this way, they contribute significantly to increased resilience. Monothematic landscapes, on the other hand, or rigid hierarchical social structures offer the greatest areas of attack.

People’s behavior must change: People as meta-gardeners

The ability to reflect on one’s behavior empowers people to change. Recognizing that they are the protective component of nature, people increasingly act as gardeners and guardians of their environment. This new relationship between humans and nature creates the basis for the regeneration of a functioning, complex global ecosystem. For Frank Fremerey, it would be an illusion to believe that one can improve the world by suddenly removing everything human from nature. Only people’s behavior has to change. Their thinking must open wide. 

Future human communities are based on non-violence, communication and mediation

Frank’s concept of human coexistence sees urban islands in the midst of a jungle tended by gardeners to meet resource needs. According to his ideas, the anti-hero saves the world. It is a peaceful Candide who, despite being open to the theory of political philosophy and to science, develops his very own practical survival strategy. Voltaire puts these words in his mouth at the end of his famous tale, “I know also,” says Candide “that we must cultivate our garden.” 

For the analytical man, it may be perfectly reasonable to accept scientifically based, inevitable suffering. The sentient and emphatic person, on the other hand, feels that by tending ( lat. cultura ) his own little garden he can proactively prepare fertile soil for the development of the larger world.