“There is too much bad news to justify complacency. There is too much good news to justify despair.” – Donella Meadows

In light of the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change, it becomes clear that overcoming them requires not only technological progress but also a profound transformation in our coexistence on and with this planet. The panel is dedicated to the crucial role of creative thinking and solidarity in dealing with barriers that stand in the way of a habitable planet today. With regard to economic interests, legal issues, advances, and the role of promises like the European Green Deal, this discussion aims to creatively address this complexity.

Geoff Mulgan, Professor of Collective Intelligence, Social Innovation, and Public Policy, will share his insights on using creative imagination for innovations that provide societal value. Andrew Ringsmuth, scientist specializing in complex systems at the Wegener Center for Climate and Global Change, will contribute his deep understanding of how societies can be sustained in harmony with nature. Clara Moder, socio-economist and part of the editorial team of “Klimasoziale Politik. Eine gerechte und emissionsfreie Gesellschaft gestalten” (“Climate-social Poltics. Shaping a just and emission-free society”) will add her expertise on sustainable employment, participation and distribution issues in the context of the climate crisis. The panel is moderated by Katharina Kropshofer, a journalist and co-founder of the “Network for Climate Journalism.”

How can we use our collective imagination to develop and implement transformative solutions for climate change? In what ways do economic and legal structures impact our ability to take effective and sustainable climate action? How can we foster solidarity at local, national, and global levels to collectively face the challenges of climate change?