On 12 December 2015, the Paris Agreement was adopted by the 195 parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Its central aim is to avert the catastrophic consequences of the climate crisis through drastic emission reductions and adaptation. This means keeping the global temperature rise this century well below 2°C compared to pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. How should we assess the current state of global climate development? And what is the situation in Austria?
Scientists from the Climate Change Centre Austria, Scientists for Future Austria, the Alliance of Sustainable Universities, and the UniNEtZ project have issued an appeal to the public on the 5th anniversary of the Paris Climate Agreement. They are calling for a national united front — similar to the one seen in nuclear policy — that puts climate protection at the top of Austria's political priorities and establishes and implements a roadmap to climate neutrality that endures beyond changes of government. Across 17 separate points, the appeal highlights that it is no longer possible to stabilise the global climate at 1.5°C of warming unless effective measures are taken without delay. The social and economic conditions for doing so have rarely looked more favourable: global discourse has shifted strongly towards social-ecological sustainability and transformation in recent years, and despite — or possibly even because of — the Covid-19 crisis, this narrative has grown even stronger. Political declarations of intent are also increasingly aligning with the general objectives of the Paris Agreement. However, Austria still lacks concrete roadmaps that would ensure the declared goals and announcements are actually implemented. Austria is far from being a frontrunner in climate protection. There appears to be a lack of understanding, at critical points, of both the urgency of the problem and the economic potential of the solutions. This fills the scientists who have signed this appeal with deep concern.
On this occasion, we'd like to invite you to a press conference on 9 December at 11:00 a.m., where we'll be presenting the appeal and sharing further information.
Details of the press conference
The following speakers will be available for discussion (in alphabetical order): Helga Kromp-Kolb, former University Professor (CCCA Chair), Nebojsa Nakicenovic, University Professor Emeritus (EU Member of the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors, CCCA Board Member), and Thomas Schinko, Dr (IIASA)
