He's one of the most cited researchers in the world in the field of biodiversity research: ecologist Franz Essl researches the loss of species diversity, its consequences for the environment and people, and the necessary countermeasures at the Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research at the University of Vienna. He's an informative and cautionary voice in science – and for his commitment to science communication, the Club of Education and Science Journalists named him Scientist of the Year 2022.

Science communication and engaging with the public are causes close to Franz Essl's heart. He doesn't shy away from debate either, as the current biodiversity crisis is at least as threatening as the climate crisis. That's why Franz Essl never tires of emphasising that stable, species-rich ecosystems are the foundation of human well-being: for food production, for renewable raw materials, they protect against natural hazards such as flooding, or store CO2...

Hosted by: Marlene Nowotny

More about Franz Essl and the interview at oe1.orf.at