IIASA Contributes to International Digital Security Forum Vienna on Climate Change Discourse

Organized by the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) in partnership with KPSO, WKÖ, and the VICE Program, the forum brought together global experts to examine digital security challenges at the intersection of technology, society, and climate action. The contribution of Erokhin and Komendantova explored how social media shapes climate narratives—amplifying solidarity through shared environmental concerns or deepening polarization through disinformation and echo chambers.

This work highlighted systems analysis approaches to mapping online discourse patterns, identifying pathways for constructive engagement versus divisive rhetoric. "Social media holds transformative potential for climate awareness, but requires nuanced strategies to foster solidarity over polarization," Komendantova emphasized.

The IDSF Vienna, a flagship event for digital policy dialogue, showcased CAT research alongside leading researchers and policymakers. Her participation underscores her expertise in behavioral dynamics, participatory governance, and digital communication strategies for complex societal challenges. This contribution aligns with CAT's broader research portfolio, bridging computational social science with real-world policy applications to advance sustainable transitions and resilience-building initiatives.