Fifth Austrian Climate Dialogue in Vorarlberg – Climate Protection Minister in discussion with 65 young people
Dornbirn (OTS) – On Friday morning, an intensive exchange took place between Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler and 65 young people from the BORG Schoren Dornbirn, the BG Gallus Bregenz, the Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences and aspiring bank clerks in Dornbirn about climate policy, climate excuses and hurdles on the way to climate neutrality. It was the second day of the Climate Dialogue in Vorarlberg.
In order to prepare for the discussion with the Federal Minister, State Mobility Councilor Daniel Zandra as well as climate researcher Georg Kaser and climate psychologist Thomas Brudermann, the participants played, among other things, the world climate game. “It took us a long time, there were tensions between us, but as a global community we only achieved the 1.5 degree target when we worked together. We supported each other financially, jumped over our shadows, and then it worked,” says Katja from BORG Schoren, describing the process. Maurice concludes with the question: “What can be done so that everyone finally works together in the real world?”
Leonore Gewessler: “Climate protection is the biggest challenge of our time. A challenge that requires the courage to change. We need this change because it is our chance for a good future. I fight every day for this future and for many people to take action – together with politics, business and civil society we can overcome this challenge.”
The example of Vorarlberg shows that collaboration works best: “We expanded as much photovoltaics in Vorarlberg alone last year as in the previous 10 years. So much that we could completely supply 28,000 households in Dornbirn and Götzis. This is only possible because there is someone in the federal government who is passionate about climate protection and who has initiated this important photovoltaic funding,” says State Councilor Daniel Zadra.
Other topics that were on the minds of young people: “How do Austria and the EU help the global south, which is the main sufferer of the climate crisis?”, “How do we get even more people to switch from cars to public transport?”, “ How can I raise my voice and express my opinion?”, “What can our future look like? I wish for a new future vision of a beautiful life.”
Day 1 on the topic of mobility
On Thursday evening, the fully booked Climate Dialogue of the Ministry of Climate Protection took place in the Bregenz Festival Hall in collaboration with the state of Vorarlberg.
The motto is: “How do we move forward? “Thinking together about future prospects for our mobility”, the participants consciously addressed both major challenges and existing conflicts. For example, when it comes to the topic of “sustainable guest mobility”: How do our guests get to the region without a car? How do you go on excursions to your holiday destination? Why do we even want them to come without a car – and what are we missing for a nationwide guest card?
More than 35 climate dates from the church, civil society, politics, science, business and tourism were available to visitors in a speed dating format. The subsequent impulses from renowned scientists gave rise to a lot of need for discussion, which was pursued in intensive and well-moderated discussion groups.
Keynote speakers were: Johan Diepers (Mobycon): “Future perspectives on mobility through the Dutch lens; Stefanie Peer (WU Vienna): “Economics of timetables, travel times and traffic information”; Thomas Brudermann (Uni Graz): “Climate psychology and the art of excuses”.
About the Climate Dialogue
The Climate Dialogue wants to encourage people to join forces and enter into unusual alliances in order to achieve climate goals together. The Austrian Climate Dialogue is part of the implementation of the EU Governance Regulation, which stipulates that each member state must set up a dialogue on climate and energy policy issues at several levels.
The next Climate Dialogue will take place in Vienna in mid-May. More information at: www.klima-dialog.at
Questions & Contact:
BM for climate protection, environment, energy, mobility, innovation and technology
Florian Berger
Press spokesman for the Federal Minister
01/71162-658010
florian.berger@bmk.gv.at
www.bmk.gv.at