Dialogue instead of protest

Climate activists want to reach the “center” of society

Protest campaigns for more climate protection may cause a stir, but they are also a deterrent.

(Bild: Laste Generation/Letzte Generation)

In future, common sense and dialog instead of radical sticking campaigns are to be used to convince the population in the fight against global warming. The "Future Alliance" wants to bring sustainable climate protection to the heart of society.

The constant talk of renunciation and extreme polarization caused by the infamous climate stickers do not really make the fight for real protection of Mother Earth any easier in the country. But according to the new "Future Alliance" initiative, things could be done differently. Together with various local organizations, mayors and celebrities as well as representatives from the church, business and science, the aim is to bring the issue of climate protection to the much-cited center of the population.

"We are on the same side"
Instead of direct confrontation, those responsible want to develop positive solutions with broad acceptance in dialog with citizens. Christian Kdolsky, spokesperson for the climate referendum and the new Future Alliance, promises: "Based on a positive vision, we want to show what benefits the coming change will bring. Through dialog, we will learn what the relevant issues are and find feasible solutions that will help us all. Because we are on the same side!"

(Bild: stock.adobe.com, Krone KREATIV)

Cooperation as the top priority
A recent study by Kontext, the Institute for Climate Issues, shows that there is a strong desire for change without disputes and vilification among the population. Almost 85% of Austrians would like to see more cooperation between business, politics and society in order to tackle the climate crisis together. Many questions remain unanswered and there is usually a lack of correct and clearly understandable answers.

In mid-February, the Climate Alliance wants to invite people to a major online and on-site dialog. The aim is to actively involve numerous citizens in dozens of municipalities. The aim is then to win over politicians for a broad consensus. However, in view of the super election year, this is likely to be an almost impossible mammoth task ...

Many willing to make sacrifices for the environment
Would you be prepared to give up one percent of your household income each month to combat global warming?" This was the central ecological question of conscience posed by German researchers to around 130,000 people from 125 countries worldwide.

The astonishing result from a red-white-red perspective: on average, 69% of respondents worldwide answered in the affirmative, but in Austria almost 73% of respondents were prepared to dig into their pockets to some extent for the good cause of the environment. Overall, around two thirds of the world's population would make an environmental contribution.

The climate stickers have been causing discontent in the country for months.

(Bild: Jauschowetz Christian)

The authors of the study published in the journal Nature Climate Change, Peter Andre from Goethe University Frankfurt and Armin Falk from the University of Bonn, find this simply "encouraging". The frontrunners are Mongolia, where a whopping 90 percent (!) would also give a salary share. Only in Uzbekistan and Myanmar was approval even higher. At the bottom of the scale is Egypt with around 30 percent.

"Despite this pharaonic outlier, the overall willingness in countries with higher average temperatures and lower incomes is higher than elsewhere in the world," summarize the "eco-explorers".

We are happy to open our wallets for real climate protection.

(Bild: fotoduets - stock.adobe.com)

Government should do more to combat global warming
When asked whether people in their country should try to fight global warming, 86% answered "yes" on a global average. Austria is almost on average here with 87%.

Agreement with the statement that the respective government should do more to protect the climate is just as high: Here we are just below the overall average with just under 85 percent in favor.

"A broad majority should have a say!"
 Christian Kdolsky, spokesperson for the climate referendum and the Future Alliance, sees a lot of potential in a broad dialog with the population. In an interview with the "Krone" newspaper, he outlines the new approach:

Krone: Do  Austrians still care about climate change at all?

Kdolsky: Many are worried because it's about the future of their children. But the people in the middle are very busy.

Central (dis)talking?
No time, how do I pay bills or how do I get the children to school? 

Without the general public, it will be difficult to curb climate change.
That's right, we need them to shape tomorrow, and everyone really should have a say!

Climate activist Christian Kdolsky

(Bild: Josef Poyer)

Can a majority really be won over for this?
The majority of society wants positive change. We are convinced of that. We are all on the same side.

The climate campaigners have not succeeded in winning people's hearts. How do you intend to do that? Hasn't a lot of porcelain already been broken?
We will show them the benefits of change. There is a lot in it for everyone!

But a lot of things are not possible - especially in rural areas - with the best will in the world?
You're absolutely right! Not everyone can immediately ditch their car or have their heating replaced so easily as a tenant. We will work together to find practicable solutions here.