Arnsberg/Sundern: "Local Climate Champions" Course Begins April 29, 2026

New Course Turns Arnsberg Residents Into Local Climate Champions

What impact does the climate crisis have on residents of Arnsberg and Sundern? How can individuals help mitigate its effects—right here in the region? Starting Wednesday, April 29, 2026, participants in the five-part course "Local Climate Champions" will tackle these and other pressing questions under the theme "Climate Crisis: Global and Local."

Organized jointly by the city of Arnsberg, the Arnsberg/Sundern adult education center (Volkshochschule, vhs), and the local consumer advocacy group (Verbraucherzentrale), the course explores the root causes of the climate crisis while encouraging participants to examine the situation in Arnsberg and Sundern. The goal is not only to deepen understanding but also to identify concrete, local actions for climate protection.

Carsten Peters, an energy advisor with the Arnsberg Verbraucherzentrale and course instructor, outlines the program's focus: "We begin by addressing fundamental questions: What is climate change? What causes it? What are its impacts? Together, we'll work through these issues while also examining how the global crisis manifests locally—right here in Arnsberg, Sundern, and the surrounding area." One visible example in the region, Peters notes, is the widespread die-off of spruce trees in local forests.

Another key component of the course introduces participants to organizations, associations, and grassroots groups already active in climate protection in Sundern and Arnsberg. This year, the "Climate Group"—a collective of over 30 members—will present its work. "Many of them took this very course in past years and are now putting what they learned into practice," says Martin Hoelker, the group's moderator.

Philipp Loerwald-Noeke, head of the Office for Sustainable Development at the city of Arnsberg, will also speak in the course, updating participants on municipal climate and sustainability efforts. "For instance," he explains, "the Arnsberg City Council has set a climate neutrality target: the entire city aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2035, while the municipal administration—leading by example—plans to achieve this by 2030." To meet these goals, Loerwald-Noeke emphasizes the importance of engaging every resident through initiatives like this one, raising awareness and mobilizing action.

Beyond mere knowledge-sharing, the "Local Climate Champions" course is designed to inspire real-world change. "Our aim is to empower citizens—not just to understand the issues, but to act on them," says Loerwald-Noeke. "We want participants to feel equipped to share foundational knowledge in discussions, whether with friends, family, or neighbors, spreading awareness that drives collective action." Peters adds, "Many are surprised by how much even small adjustments in daily habits can achieve—that realization is incredibly motivating."

Dr. Tobias Schulte, director of the Arnsberg/Sundern adult education center, stresses the course's role in fostering local networks and activism. "We don't want participants to leave thinking, 'That was interesting,' and then do nothing. We want them to feel compelled to make a tangible difference—whether in Arnsberg, Sundern, or beyond." He points to the Climate Group as a success story, born from past courses and now a hub for engaged advocates. "This year, we'll again offer networking opportunities to help participants connect and collaborate long after the course ends," Schulte concludes.