Almost 300 guests attended the 9th Simonsfeld Future Talk with Christa Kummer, ORF weather expert and climatologist, in Ernstbrunn. As part of the future discussions, Windkraft Simonsfeld creates awareness of the climate crisis with fact-based information and discusses global future topics relating to ecology, economy and climate with experts.
Fitness program for the future
In her “Fitness program for our future” Christa Kummer clearly presents the connection between weather, climate and human health. It is essential that we have to distinguish scientific facts from fake news; this has never been as difficult as it is today. From a scientific perspective, there is no doubt that climate change is man-made. The climate has always been changing, but global warming accelerated dramatically in the 20th century due to the massive burning of fossil fuels. This impacts Earth and human health in many ways – heat waves, air pollution, disease. “Surface cosmetics are no longer enough, we have to fundamentally change our lifestyle,” emphasizes Kummer. The changes have to start with ourselves, with courage and a positive mindset, because “we still have every chance”. With daily decisions – such as how we eat, exercise, heat or use energy – we change our lifestyle and have a positive impact on the climate and personal health.
We still have every chance to have a positive influence on climate change and nature
Our age is primarily shaped by humans; we have massively intervened in the natural landscape and taken a lot of space from the earth. It’s not just greenhouse gas emissions that have a negative impact on our climate; land use has also changed dramatically in the last century. Ever larger areas are being used and sealed by people. “But taking action against land destruction and atmospheric change is equally important. Today we know the adjustment screws, we have to ask ourselves how much space we give back to nature – and thus ourselves. We still have every chance of having a positive influence on climate change and nature. Let’s spend less time being afraid and instead explore new paths with courage,” said Kummer.
More space for the future
Johannes Leitner, spatial and environmental planner, is an expert in environmental impact assessments and approval procedures and is therefore also responsible for large infrastructure projects. He demands more space for the future. He sees three levers for climate protection and achieving climate goals: reduction of greenhouse gases, expansion of renewable energies and more energy efficiency. “Wind and solar energy in particular need to be massively expanded. Nature and climate protection must be brought into harmony; spatial planning creates the necessary balance of interests. We have to bring more quality to the area – in this way we create space for the energy landscape of the future – and more quality of life for all of us,” says Leitner.
The greatest lever against the climate crisis is all of us together
In the subsequent panel discussion, moderated by Jennifer Frank, the experts discussed the necessary changes with the board members of Windkraft Simonsfeld Markus Winter and Alexander Hochauer. Markus Winter emphasized that the landscape will change in the future – to the benefit of the economy, people and the environment. By repowering existing wind farms, many times more green electricity will be produced in less space in the future. “It is also clear that as soon as more electricity is generated from renewable energies, the price of electricity will also fall. But billions of dollars in subsidies still flow into fossil fuels,” says Winter. Alexander Hochauer pointed out that climate protection and social security must not be played off against each other. “Here we have to educate people every day and communicate scientific facts to the outside world – like today with our talk about the future.” A central lever for the energy transition is saving energy in all areas. “Every kWh saved does not have to be produced,” says Winter.
All participants agreed that each individual can bring about big global changes with small personal steps. Because the energy transition can only succeed together. “Let’s all just try it out,” said Kummer.