Austria has set itself an ambitious target of achieving climate neutrality by 2040. However, progress in implementation is far from what is needed to achieve the target on time. To explore how climate neutrality can be achieved without jeopardising competitiveness, employment and social stability, a Club20 panel discussion took place at the Intercontinental Hotel on 18 March 2026.
The discussion was moderated by Christoph Schwarz, editor-in-chief of the Kurier. Alongside Hermine Mitter, the panel included Jesús Crespo Cuaresma (Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien), Michael Kowatschew (co-founder of Heizma) and Tina Deutsch (board member at the KONTEXT Institut für Klimafragen). The event was organised in collaboration with the eXplore! funding initiative.
The lack of effectiveness and acceptance of political measures was cited as a criticism of current developments. However, as Hermine Mitter emphasised, the issue is certainly popular and support for climate protection is also high in Austria. She therefore added: “Climate protection does not fail due to a lack of popularity, but is held back by socio-psychological barriers and inadequate political frameworks.”
In addition to the obstacles at the individual level, it was also emphasised that change is needed at the systemic level. Among the solutions considered were a ‘reframing’ of climate action and a shift in communication towards positive visions, rather than predominantly negative news. Linking human protection and climate protection more closely could make the issue more tangible, just as investing in a liveable environment should take precedence over the associated costs of climate protection.
The “Club20” initiative was launched by Michael Tojner and regularly brings together experts from the fields of business, politics, industry, and academia to discuss current issues. The discussions are open to the public.