How constraints make us grow. Society in transition

Our understanding of the natural constraints of our planet is continually growing and deepening. What prevents us from making changes to our lifestyles and economic activities and especially from placing them on a sustainable footing? Why is no change of direction taking place?

Nakicenovic will give a keynote speech on 22 February at 8.15pm at the Campus WU – home of the Vienna University of Economics and Business. In the subsequent panel discussion Nakicenovic will be joined by Hans Herren (Millenium Institute), Helmut Hojesky (Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management), Mira Kapfinger (UN-Climate-Reporters, JUMP), Helga Kromp-Kolb (University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna), Pascal Teixeira da Silva (tbc) (Ambassador of the French Republic in Vienna) and Sigrid Stagl (Vienna University of Economics and Business).

Nakicenovic and his fellow panelists will discuss the universal and legally binding agreement to tackle climate change which was adopted at the Paris climate conference (COP21) in December 2015. What are the consequences of this agreement for Austria and Europe and will it accelerate the transformation of our economics system? Which sectors have already been transforming and which run the risk of ignoring relevant developments? What’s next after Paris and which political measures have to be taken? One of the aims of the panel discussion is to debate and examine the decisions for transformation after COP21.

Last edited: 22 February 2016