Joёlle Welfring
In this article, we observe the biography of Joëlle Welfring, her notable achievements, political views and support
Ideology
Center-left
Active since
2022
Main focus
Environmental, Sustainable Development, Green Politics, Climate Action
Joëlle Welfring, born in 1968, is a prominent Luxembourgish political figure affiliated with the ecologist party, The Greens (déi Gréng). Her journey into the world of politics is a recent and remarkable one, marked by her appointment as Minister of Environment, Climate, and Sustainable Development in 2022, following the resignation of Carole Dieschbourg. However, Joëlle's story extends beyond politics, encompassing a rich academic and professional background.
In contrast to many political figures, Joëlle Welfring's entry into government did not follow the traditional path of local political involvement or prior election as a legislator. Before venturing into politics, Joëlle Welfring made significant contributions to environmental research and development, working at the Center for Environmental Technology Resources (CRTE) and the Public Research Center Henri Tudor.
Biography
Joëlle Welfring, born on June 22, 1974, in Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg, is a noted figure in environmental leadership. After secondary education at Lycée Hubert Clément, she pursued environmental sciences, earning a master's in biochemistry from the University of Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg, in 1997. The following year, she secured another master's in environmental sciences from the University of Brunel, London.
Professionally, Joëlle started as a research officer at the UK's Environment Agency in 1998. She then joined the Center for Environmental Technology Resources (CRTE) as a research engineer (1999-2005) and later became its Director (2005-2009). Her leadership journey continued at the Public Research Center Henri Tudor as Director of Business Development (2009-2014) and as a Management Committee member (2005-2014). In 2014, she became the Deputy Director of the Environment Agency and, in April 2022, ascended to its Director role, succeeding Robert Schmit.
With a rich educational and professional background, Joëlle stands as a key player in Luxembourg's environmental field, paving the way for her future political endeavors.
Joёlle Welfring in the interview with Fabrice Barbian in September 2022
Achievements
Joëlle Welfring's tenure in the Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Sustainable Development has been marked by significant achievements and pivotal projects in response to pressing challenges in climate, biodiversity, natural resources, and pollution.
Under her leadership, the ministry has embraced a pragmatic perspective, introducing measures to streamline processes, digitalize procedures, and modernize vital environmental laws. This approach aims to maintain a high level of environmental protection while simplifying procedures, expediting project execution, and fostering a participatory and pragmatic approach.
Forest and natural resources protection
Saving the bees and other pollinators
Water resources management
Waste management and recycling
Climate protection plan
Sustainable developement
From 2018 to 2023, the ministry witnessed substantial changes in environmental and climate policies, with a focus on the protection of natural resources. However, it is important to understand that Joëlle Welfring's entry into the ministry is relatively recent. For this reason, some of the achievements may be common to the efforts of several administrations.
Interviews
Interview with Joëlle Welfring: “We all aspire to secure the future”
Interview at Paperjam Sustainability: “We need to think further and differently”
Professional activities and relationships
Joëlle Welfring's journey to politics was unique. She didn't start in local politics or get elected as a legislator like many others. Instead, she gained a lot of experience from key roles, including leading the Environment Agency. Following her academic achievements, Joëlle Welfring embarked on a rewarding career in the field of environmental research and management.
Political and professional career timeline
1998-1999
1999-2005
2005-2009
2005-2014
2009-2014
August 2014
April 2022
May 2022
In May 2022, Joëlle Welfring was selected to serve as the Minister of Environment, Climate, and Sustainable Development, following the resignation of Carole Dieschbourg. Her appointment marked a significant turning point in her career, where her dedication to environmental causes and expertise were harnessed at the highest level of government.
Furthermore, Joëlle is currently making her debut in legislative elections as a candidate representing The Greens in the Southern constituency of Luxembourg. Her fresh perspective and commitment to ecological values have garnered attention and support, making her a notable figure in Luxembourg's political landscape.
After the national legislative elections in October 2023, this politician did not become part of the current administration. However, they continue to be a prominent figure in Luxembourg's political landscape.
Political views and support
Joëlle Welfring's alignment with environmental sciences and her extensive career in environmental work makes it evident that environmental values are central to her identity. She represents The Greens, signifying her alignment with the party's principles and ideals.
The Greens Party positions itself in the center-left of the political spectrum and is known for its strong emphasis on societal responsibility in promoting sustainable development. Their ideology revolves around the urgent need for individual, local, and national ecological responsibility, recognizing the intensification of ecological crises in recent decade.
As Joëlle Welfring has not formally participated in legislative elections until this year, her popularity and the extent of public support for her political views within The Greens Party are yet to be determined. Her upcoming participation in the elections will shed light on her appeal to the electorate and her ability to represent The Greens' values effectively.
Criticism of the politician
Criticism comes naturally with political involvement, and Joëlle Welfring is no stranger to it. This is particularly true now, as the world is going through significant changes that require immediate action.
Schannes expressed disappointment in what he sees as a lack of significant achievements by The Greens and the Ministry of the Environment. He particularly highlighted the perceived deficiency in collaboration between the Ministries of Environment and Energy.
From his perspective, energy production and consumption constitute the paramount issues in climate protection, and he believes that these two ministries should work together more closely to address them effectively.
Personal life
Joëlle Welfring has two children. Her husband is in charge of IT and audiovisual tasks at the Contemporary Art Museum of Luxembourg, often referred to as MUDAM. MUDAM is a prominent institution that showcases modern art in Luxembourg.
Hobbies
Science
Ecology
Find Joёlle Welfring in social media
We took photos from these sources: Gouvernement.lu, Copyright: SIP / Yves Kortum