We live in troubled times, rocked by crises, inflation and climate change. As a means of taking a stand and giving a voice to the environment, activism is as important now as it has ever been. But where does it go now? What works? And how can we get our message out to others?

These questions will form the focus of our discussion with the authors Theresa Hannig, Paula Steingäßer and Cordula Weimann, who will also present their latest books.

Theresa Hannig will introduce her gripping climate thriller novel “Parts per Million”, in which she tells the story of the writer Johanna Stromann, who gets drawn into activism through her research into the climate action movement. Hannig imagines a future in which the state violently suppresses protests and the movement becomes radicalised. In doing so, she raises highly charged questions such as how far should activism go, and is violence an option in the fight against the climate catastrophe?

The young writer Paula Steingäßer will share an insight into the emotional world of a generation growing up with the constant threat of the climate crisis. Her book conveys a powerful sense of the fears, doubts and stresses which young people face. Steingäßer makes the case for an open dialogue about these experiences to form the basis for effective activism and narratives which can meet the challenges of the future.

Cordula Weimann will present her new book which was written with women aged over 50 in mind. In it, Weimann shows how their generation can make an important contribution to protecting the climate. Weimann combines practical advice on how to live more sustainably with a vision of a future in which future generations can live happily and in dignity.

The reading promises to offer rich and varied insights into the climate crisis from different perspectives and generations. After the reading, the audience will be able to discuss ideas and questions with the authors and have books signed.

Event organised by the German National Library’s German Museum of Books and Writing in cooperation with Klimabuchmesse e.V.

https://klimabuchmesse.de/programm-2025/

Information and contact

The event will be held in German.

Venue: Temporary exhibition, German Museum of Books and Writing at the German National Library in Leipzig

Costs: Free admission.

Duration: 90 minutes

Booking: Registration not required.

Cloakroom info: Please lock your bags and backpacks in the lockers.

Accessibility: The area in which the event will be taking place is barrier-free accessible.

Contact: dbsm-info@dnb.de or by phone +49 341 2271-524

Address and getting here

German National Library
German Museum of Books and Writing
Deutscher Platz 1
04103 Leipzig

Getting here

We advise you to use public transport.