Headline: Chair of the Green Parliamentary Group, Anton Hofreiter, Meets with IASS Directors to Talk about Societal Transformation

The chair of the Green parliamentary group in the German parliament, Anton Hofreiter, was briefed at the IASS on the latest research results on societal transformation and climate change. During his visit he spoke with scientific directors Patrizia Nanz and Mark G. Lawrence about citizen participation in political processes, the implementation of the Paris Agreement and a variety of other topics. Together they also considered the various ways in which individuals can adopt a more sustainable lifestyle, particularly when it comes to mobility and food.

“Our discussions were very stimulating and provided plenty of input for our work. I was struck in particular by the facts and figures on human CO₂ emissions. These figures show just how much needs to be done,” said Hofreiter. He concurred with the assessment of the Institute’s directors that technical solutions alone would not suffice to protect the climate. Instead, fundamental change in the form of a societal transformation is needed.

As a research institute tasked with bringing diverse societal actors together to identify pathways to sustainable development, the IASS is visited regularly by representatives from politics, the business sector, and society.