The climate of universities: demands for a green future!

The climate of universities: demands for a green future!

Laimgrubengasse 10, 1060 Wien, Österreich - On December 16, 2024, the Austrian University of Applied Sciences (ÖH) presented the first Austria -wide climate of universities, which took place in Salzburg from December 6th to December 8th. In an intensive exchange of between 30 students and three teachers, concrete demands on climate neutrality in the university sector were developed. Under the motto "Take responsibility for the climate crisis", the participants not only want to promote research and teaching on environmentally friendly technologies, but also act as role models for sustainable action. Sarah Rossmann, member of the chairman of the ÖH, emphasized the importance of this initiative for participation in university policy.

concrete demands for a sustainable future

The climate has worked out a claim package, which includes a seminar with ECTS and the formation of an alliance of sustainable universities. "The interdisciplinary approaches of the different council members ensured innovative demands," explained Nina Mathies from the chair. A guide for climate -neutral universities is currently being developed and is to be presented in early 2025. "We intend that climate neutrality at universities becomes a reality," emphasized Simon Neuhold from the ÖH.

These demands are particularly important to promote solutions to the climate crisis in a democratic way, as it becomes clear from the advice of the climate that was presented in the press conference. The participating members are between the ages of 18 and 50 and represent a wide range of disciplines, including (veterinary) medicine, political science, law and environmental sciences. The demands are aimed at both the Rectorate and Austrian Politics and aim to advance concrete measures for the sustainable transformation of the universities, as can also be reported by Oekonews.