Our Stories

The ocean stores many times more carbon than the atmosphere, yet many of the mechanisms behind its carbon cycles are not yet fully understood. For over three decades, Gerhard Herndl from the University of Vienna has been studying the microbial life in the deep sea and how it can help to explain where the carbon goes and how this influences the climate.

Science has shown that a global approach is needed to stop plastic pollution. An international team, including environmental psychologist Sabine Pahl from the University of Vienna, sees the upcoming UN negotiations in South Korea (Nov 2024) as a historic chance for joint action. Their recent review in Science stresses the urgency of a global treaty to curb plastic pollution.

The ECH is currently accepting applications from Postdoctoral and Senior Scientists at the University of Vienna across all disciplines. Applicants should have a strong track record in environmental and climate research and be willing to actively contribute to Hub activities such as retreats, workshops, and outreach. Members benefit from seed funding opportunities, support for ECH-branded events, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Climate change in the Alps: a topic that concerns people in Austria. On October 8, over 200 guests attended the 12th edition of the discussion forum “Umwelt im Gespräch” (Environmental Dialogue) in the dome hall of the Natural History Museum Vienna (NHM) to learn about and discuss the consequences of climate change in the Alps.

On 26th July, Dr. Homer J. Yabut, Director of the Social Development Research Center at De La Salle University, Philippines, met with ECH Co-Director Prof. Sabine Pahl and Research Facilitation Coordinator Dr. Gemma Carr. The exchange focused on strategies to support collaborative research and build successful partnerships, and explored how research centres like the ECH promote excellence, impact, and international collaboration to address key challenges of the Sustainable Development Goals.

“Climate change and urban heat stress” was the topic of the 11th “Environmental Dialogue” on May 28 at the NHM Vienna. Experts from the fields of environmental medicine, psychology, law, and politics discussed measures for cities such as Vienna with the audience. Mathew White gave the keynote speech, and welcoming remarks were provided by NHM Director General Katrin Vohland, ECH Co-Director Thilo Hofmann, and the Rector of the University of Vienna, Sebastian Schütze. Over 200 guests attended.