Petra Kelly and the Making of the “Global Green Movement” - Seminar recap
On December 19th, 2024 the OHPA hosted a lecture by Dr. Stephen Milder, environmental historian based at the Rachel Carson Center in Munich. His talk “Petra Kelly and the Making of the “Global Green Movement”” explored the pioneering role of German politician and ecofeminist Petra Kelly in global green politics and her influence as a founder of the German Green Party.
Born in Germany and raised partly in the U.S., Kelly combined activism with parliamentary work, championing environmentalism, peace, and human rights. She stood out for her global approach, contrasting with the more national focus of many Green Parties. Kelly linked grassroots activism to parliamentary strategies, advocating for a "Europe of the regions" and transnational cooperation. Despite her contributions, she faced opposition within her party, partly due to her refusal to conform to its rotational leadership rules. Her later years saw her influence wane domestically, though she remained a respected figure internationally.
Stephen Milder critiqued the lack of international histories of Green Parties, arguing that the study of Kelly’s work provides a framework for understanding green politics beyond national borders. Her mysterious tragic death in 1992 obscured her legacy. But Kelly’s contributions to linking environmentalism with global issues remain relevant today. Her legacy sparks discussions on the evolution of Green Parties, their integration of activism and politics, and their position on global challenges like war and environmental crises.
The full talk as well as the subsequent discussion is available to view on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/J3SDHeEKAC8