The science-based strategy employed in Austria to tackle the coronavirus should also be maintained when it comes to the climate crisis. With this as their core demand, the 22 members of the ÖAW's Commission on Climate and Air Quality (KKL) addressed an open letter to the government and ministries today — warning against fossil fuel "lock-in".

Beginning with praise for the government's handling of the pandemic, which was credited with "clear governance based on scientific expertise", the letter moved on to set out demands in the fight against greenhouse gases. This necessity arises from the fact that advancing climate change will develop far more catastrophically than any of the scenarios presented in connection with COVID-19.

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Questions surrounding the novel coronavirus and its consequences for our everyday lives are currently dominating the political agenda. There is much talk of measures to stimulate the economy. But a "return to normal life" cannot and must not happen in light of the climate crisis, Austrian climate researchers argue in an open letter.

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Production: Ruth Hutsteiner