Her latest book, "For pessimism it's too late", came out on 12 October — and climate scientist Helga Kromp-Kolb really means it. At the "female future meet up" in Graz, Kromp-Kolb appeared live to talk about positive climate news and sketch out utopias for a good life.

Helga Kromp-Kolb is Austria's leading climate scientist, and arguably the one who has been active the longest. And at 74, she is perhaps a bridge between the often-criticised "Boomers", who are held responsible for the current situation, and the "Last Generation", whose actions so often provoke incomprehension.

At the "female future meet up" on 28 September in Graz, she was a guest on the live podcast "fair&female", and the conversation centred on the question of where exactly the good, hopeful news on climate actually is. Without downplaying the reality of the situation, the podcast — in front of around 200 young women — aimed to map out a path that combines positive incentives with work, climate action, and a good life. Spoiler: there are plenty of appealing prospects. And the word "sacrifice" doesn't always have to come into it. 

You can listen to the podcast at: kleinezeitung.at