Students from Lower Austria and Vienna were recognized for their commitment to climate action and received their certificates at IIASA in Laxenburg.
Over the course of the school year, students from Stiftgymnasium Melk, HTL Mödling, Gymnasium Draschestraße, Don Bosco Gymnasium, Sir Karl Popper School, American International School Vienna, Goethe-Gymnasium, Gymnasium Erlgasse, and Gymnasium Rahlgasse explored the topics of climate change, biodiversity, and sustainability in depth.
Working alongside IIASA scientists, they also learned how to analyze complex challenges and approach sustainability issues—such as human-induced climate change—from a systems perspective. As part of the IIASA Climate Champions Initiative, they participated in workshops with researchers and developed their own ideas for promoting sustainable action within their schools and local communities.
The initiative culminated in a certificate ceremony, where the Climate Champions were honored by IIASA scientists for their achievements. Among the distinguished guests were Professor Dr. Christian Köberl, a member of the IIASA Council for Austria, and Viktor J. Bruckman, Secretary of Austria's National Member Organization of IIASA. Representing the Austrian Academy of Sciences, both emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration between science and schools.
Bruckman said: "The IIASA Climate Champions Initiative makes an invaluable contribution to inspiring young people in Austria. It not only fosters critical and analytical thinking, but also sparks enthusiasm for science among future generations while encouraging participants to develop highly creative solutions to today's pressing challenges. The program connects dedicated teachers and students from different schools and brings IIASA's work to a broader audience. At a time when skepticism toward climate science is on the rise, initiatives like this are more important than ever. I was particularly impressed by the enthusiasm, creativity, and expertise demonstrated by all of the participating groups."
Hannah Gutlederer from Stiftgymnasium Melk added: "We want to share the knowledge we gained during the IIASA Climate Champions workshops with younger students at our school. Education is the most powerful way to create positive change for our environment. Through the workshops, we learned a great deal about climate, sustainability, and how individual actions can help build a better future."
That is precisely the aim of the IIASA Climate Champions Initiative: to empower young people to turn scientific knowledge into meaningful action, understand complex systems, and help develop sustainable solutions for their communities and society as a whole. After all, effective climate action begins in our schools, our communities, and right on our own doorstep.
