Man-made climate change is one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. The transformation to a nearly emission-free and climate robust economy and society requires a profound reorientation. Such a comprehensive transformation can and must be supported and shaped by science in a variety of ways.
On the one hand, research needs to focus on a better understanding of the uncertainties, risks and opportunities associated with climate change, especially with regard to critical thresholds, beyond which the continued existence of various systems is threatened.
On the other hand, possible strategies of a transition to a nearly emission-free and climate robust economy and society are investigated, which are connected with a fundamental transformation of many economic, production-technical, social, political and legal processes and ways of life.
Climate Change Graz sees itself as an association of scientists at the University of Graz who conduct joint research on climate change and sustainability and share their knowledge or develop it further together with the relevant stakeholders. The research team consists of more than 100 scientists, led by 25 professors as Principal Investigators (PIs).
Transdisciplinarity - from knowledge to action
In order to move from knowledge to action, close cooperation between science and the various social actors from companies, associations, politics, administration and civil society is needed. To this end, Climate Change Graz relies on workshops, focus groups, living labs and other participatory and transdisciplinary formats in which robust and application-oriented solutions are co-developed. For the implementation of transdisciplinary research, the position of a Transacademic Interface Manager was created in 2021. In addition, the RCE Graz-Styria - Center for Sustainable Social Transformation is also working with an already proven lab-toolkit in numerous projects together social stakeholders.
