Environment and Climate Research Hub

We are living in times of unprecedented environmental change. Climate disruption, species extinction, and pollution are no longer distant threats – they are present realities. But with knowledge comes power to act.

This free course invites you to explore the environmental challenges shaping our world – and to discover your role in creating lasting solutions. Through engaging video lessons and expert insights across disciplines, you'll gain a hopeful perspective on our shared planetary future.

Michael Zumstein, associate professor at the Institute of Environmental Geosciences and ECH member, is taking over as head of the new Christian Doppler Laboratory for Biological Degradation of Water-Soluble Polymers at CeMESS at the University of Vienna. Christian Doppler Laboratories aim to conduct high-level, application-oriented basic research – Zumstein’s research team will provide important insights into the development of sustainable strategies for dealing with water-soluble polymers.

Sustainability has long been a guiding principle, but our structures often stand in the way of change: political objectives, economic interests and individual options for action come into conflict with one another, making ecological behaviour in everyday life a challenge. At the 14th Environmental Dialogue, experts from science, politics and business discussed how sustainable living can be achieved without sacrifice – and what systemic changes are necessary for social change to succeed.