“We need disruption to end the destruction!” This is how concisely UN Secretary-General António Guterres calls on humanity to combat climate change. In July 2022, the United Nations adopted a resolution that affirms: Everyone has the right to live in a “safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment”. In this way, the international community unequivocally underscores the interplay between human rights and the environment. But what concrete measures are needed to leave a livable planet Earth for future generations? Are disruptive actions or climate complaints an effective means of getting humanity to act? How can a reduction in prosperity in the present be achieved in exchange for future climate security? And who bears the ultimate responsibility: politics, business, the courts or consumers? A top-class panel will discuss climate protection and intergenerational justice.

Welcome Notes

• Michael Lysander Fremuth, Scientific Director, Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Fundamental and Human Rights; Professor of Fundamental and Human Rights, University of Vienna

Keynote (online via Zoom)

• Ian Fry, UN Special Rapporteur on the protection of human rights in the context of climate change

Panel Discussion

• Leonore Gewessler, Federal Minister for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology of the Republic of Austria
• Michaela Krömer, Lawyer, Krömer Law Firm
• Christian Piska, Associate Professor, Institute for Constitutional and Administrative Law, University of Vienna
• Laura Sachslehner, Member of the Vienna Regional Parliament and Municipal Council
• Lena Schilling, Climate Activist; Founder of the Youth Council

Audience Discussion

Chair

• Sebastian Öhner, Board Member, Austrian League for Human Rights