Physicist, writer, philosopher and presenter Harald Lesch became a resident of Munich Honorary citizen. The city council decided to honor him “in recognition of his extraordinary service to the state capital,” as announced by the city government. This award is rare: it has only been awarded 67 times since 1818, as emphasized by Mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD). There are currently 18 living honorary citizens – not including Lesch.
Horseman praised Lesch, a native of Hesse, as a renowned scientist “who is not only able to explain complex problems in a generally understandable way, but is also committed to climate and environmental protection.” Lesch is known to the general public through his television show and YouTube channel “Ur Bang, Universe and Life” and as an author. However, he continues to teach as a professor at Ludwig Maximilians University and is a member of the Bavarian Climate Council. He recently criticized Bavaria for not doing enough to achieve its climate goals.
Honorary citizenship is not Lesch’s first honor. In the past he has received, among others, the Bavarian Order of Maximilian and the Federal Cross of Merit.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:251126-930-344170/1
