Together against poverty: Boku and Caritas start climate protection offensive!

Together against poverty: Boku and Caritas start climate protection offensive!

Wien, Österreich - On June 18, 2025, the relaunch of the Boku X Caritas climate protection platform took place in Vienna. At this event, the goals of the project were presented by the Rector of the Boku, Eva Schulev-Steindl, Caritas Vice President Alexander Bodmann and Elisabeth Kneissl-Neumayer from Kneissl Touristik. A central concern of the platform is the connection between poverty and CO₂ reduction in the global south, one aspect that is becoming increasingly important in order to promote both social engagement and ecological responsibility. In this context, Greenwashing is also counteracted to ensure sustainable development, as [Oekonews] (https://www2.oekonews.at/kann-man-armut-und-co-co-time reclaimed+2400+1227501).

The Boku-CO2 compensation system, which was initiated in 2010, is a world premiere because it was the first university that enabled donations for climate protection projects in the global south. First of all, the focus was on projects within the university, but gradually cooperations were created with external partners such as Caritas, which now brings their expertise in development cooperation. This partnership is further strengthened by the climate protection platform, so that the BOKU brings its scientific knowledge while Caritas ensures the implementation of the projects on site. The initiatives also include programs for improving living conditions in South Sudan, which are based, for example, on the use of energy-saving stoves, also reports boku.ac.at.

scientific evaluation and sustainable effects

A decisive aspect of climate protection projects is scientific accompanying research that ensures the quality and effectiveness of the measures. The combination of climate-friendly technologies and social projects aims to lower CO₂ emissions and at the same time reduce the energy costs for the affected communities. These projects achieve a comprehensive effect that improves not only the environment, but also the quality of life of the residents. According to a study by the Öko-Institut e.V. and the Stockholm Environment Institute on behalf of the Allianz Foundation for Development and Climate, climate protection projects show positive accompanying effects on poverty, water quality, nutrition and health, such as [climatepartner.com] (https://www.climatepartner.com/de/insights/studie-belegt-klimaschutzprojekt-wähle-dähtige-nache-influesse-in-schellen- und) describes.

The support of climate protection projects by companies, organizations and private individuals is crucial to promote these sustainable initiatives. Since 2019, companies have also been increasingly relying on more emission-friendly transport solutions and CO₂ equalization. To avoid greenwashing, valid key figures and scientific support are required. The BOKU-CO2 compensation system is an example of a transparent and effective approach to finance climate protection projects.

an example of sustainable development

An outstanding example of effective climate protection projects is climate-friendly brick production in South Sudan, which not only lowers CO₂ emissions, but also contributes to improving living conditions. There are also special projects that rely on energy -efficient cooking methods, which promotes the health of the residents and protects the environment. The quality -saving projects thus create an important bridge between climate protection and social justice.

The relaunch of the Boku X Caritas climate protection platform provides the public about how closely climate protection and poverty control are connected. The innovative approach should continue to serve as a model for similar initiatives worldwide in the future.