16th Environmental Dialogue: Why isn’t more happening? – In search of levers for transformation

Human-induced climate change, species loss and the increasing use of natural resources are well documented by science – yet social and political change is progressing only slowly, and in some cases is even moving in the opposite direction. In this edition of “Umwelt im Gespräch”, we therefore explore why a fundamental shift has not yet materialised and what is needed to drive a transformation that enables us to live within planetary boundaries on a sustainable basis. The focus is on structural barriers, misguided incentives and neglected perspectives that are often overlooked in current debates. Together with experts from academia and the field, we discuss which mechanisms are holding back change and what levers could be used to trigger an effective and faster transformation in politics, the economy and everyday life.
 

Key Information

When: December 1st, 2026, doors open at 5:30 p.m., start: 6:00 p.m.
Where: Upper Dome Hall, Natural History Museum Vienna, main entrance – Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna
Event language: German

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Program

Welcome

• Katrin Vohland – Director General of the Natural History Museum Vienna
• Nikolaus Hautsch – Vice Rector for Infrastructure at the University of Vienna
• Thilo Hofmann – Co-Director of the Environment and Climate Research Hub at the University of Vienna

Keynote speech

• Sigrid Stagl – Professor of Environmental Economics & Policy at the Vienna University of Economics and Business

Panel discussion with audience participation

• Sigrid Stagl – Professor of Environmental Economics & Policy at the Vienna University of Economics and Business
• Kerstin Krellenberg – Professor for Urban Studies at the University of Vienna
• Leonhard Dobusch – Professor of Business Administration with a focus on organization at the University of Innsbruck
• More speakers to be announced!
• Moderation: Marlene Nowotny, Science Editor, Ö1