Rostock discusses: rest periods and protection against fireworks chaos!

Rostock discusses: rest periods and protection against fireworks chaos!

There is currently intensive discussion in Rostock about the New Year's Eve fireworks. The Alliance 90/The Greens.Volt faction has put the issue on the agenda and is proposing to set up special protection and quiet zones for the fireworks. These zones should be established particularly on natural and bathing beaches as well as in quiet parts of the city in order to reduce the burden on people, pets and the environment. The planned application also includes the protection of the Baltic Sea from the negative effects of private fireworks. [nnn.de].

The reason for these measures is obvious: fireworks cause considerable pollution. According to information from the Federal Environment Agency, around 2,050 tonnes of fine dust (PM10) are released by fireworks every year, which accounts for around 1% of total PM10 emissions in Germany. Air pollution with fine dust is often highest on New Year's Day. This is particularly critical because PM10 levels can reach several thousand micrograms per m³ in places on this day. umweltbundesamt.de shows that air quality suffers significantly due to fine dust emissions. The quiet zones may not solve all problems, but they help to reduce stress and create spaces for retreat.

Protection from more than just noise

The application to establish quiet zones follows the existing restrictions in Rostock. Fireworks are already banned at gas stations, near thatched roof houses, churches, hospitals and old people's and children's homes. These measures are intended to minimize the risk of fires and injuries that often occur on New Year's Eve. The Federal Environment Agency points out the negative effects: the list is long, from burns and eye injuries to ecological damage caused by fireworks. Disturbance of wildlife and the large amount of waste left behind after the turn of the year are also serious problems.

The findings about garbage and environmental damage are particularly alarming: During a clean-up operation after New Year's Day 2020, an astonishing 4,000 pieces of garbage were found on just 100 meters of beach, with around 70% of them being the remains of fireworks. This is a reminder that not only the noise but also the legacy of the fireworks is clearly noticeable. In order to counteract the entry of plastic into the environment, the beach regulations should be supplemented to exclude private fireworks.

Citizens are faced with decisions

The Rostock citizenship will deal with the application in the coming meetings. The aim is to create new rules for New Year's Eve fireworks and thus increase the protection of people and nature. Given the role models from other cities such as Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Stuttgart and Munich, which have implemented similar zones, Rostock could be taking a step in the right direction. However, the discussion about environmental protection and the necessary preservation of quality of life goes beyond fireworks - it is a topic that concerns many people in Rostock.