A central theme of the event: climate protection is a joint task for government, businesses, research and the general public.
The city of Graz is focusing on a combination of information, advice and concrete offers. Workshops, information events and practical aids are available to citizens – such as energy cost measuring devices or thermal imaging cameras that can be borrowed from the city library.
The business community also recognises its responsibility. Industry representatives emphasised their role in developing climate-friendly technologies and more efficient production processes. At the same time, they stressed the importance of an innovation-friendly environment so that new solutions can be developed and disseminated internationally.
Research institutions contribute scientific perspectives and methods. JOANNEUM RESEARCH is one of the organisations that have signed the agreement. During the discussion, environmental psychologist emphasised the importance of psychological factors for climate-friendly behaviour. He said it was crucial for people to develop confidence in their own ability to take action:
‘A very strong factor is self-efficacy – in other words, the belief that you yourself can change something.’
In addition to technical solutions, formats are therefore needed in which people can try out new behaviours. Examples include temporary campaigns or collaborative experiments in everyday life. Such experiences could help to reduce uncertainty and establish lasting change.
‘Measures that strengthen this trust will be much more effective than simply providing offers and hoping that they will be used,’ says Seebauer.
Another focus of the discussion was the interplay between different forms of knowledge. Research can structure processes, bring together different perspectives and evaluate measures. At the same time, practical knowledge from administration, business and everyday experience is just as important.
The discussion made it clear that the Graz Climate Pact sees itself as a platform for connecting these different actors and jointly developing concrete steps towards climate neutrality.
