How is a good life possible for everyone and how can we achieve this? If our planet had a voice, it would probably answer: "Less is more!" But how can we humans change our way of thinking? And how do we reorganise mobility, the economy and living spaces in such a sustainable way that changes are not only accepted, but can be experienced as a benefit to quality of life? The lectures in the current lecture series "Climate crisis and sustainability" provide impulses and show which strategies and solutions science is working on.

Much more than just imparting knowledge

The first lecture will be given by Professor Dr Ulrich Brand who, together with other colleagues, is looking for alternatives to the status quo and developing ideas and concepts for socio-ecological change. The political scientist from the University of Vienna conducts research into globalisation and international resource, energy and environmental policy. In his lecture on 5 May, he will present the concept of the "imperial way of life", which he helped to develop, and will share his idea of a solidary way of life as an impulse for the subsequent discussion.

The subsequent lectures will address other key aspects of living within planetary boundaries. After each of the short keynote speeches, participants will have the opportunity to enter into dialogue with the speakers. Over the course of the series, topics will include how climate-friendly construction and quality of living go together, what a world without global economic growth could look like and how sustainable consumption affects companies and their business models.

The aim of the lecture series is to go beyond the mere transfer of knowledge and to scrutinise together what levers are available so that all people have the chance of a good life. In addition to visions, this also involves compromises. The lectures are intended to inspire participants to contribute their views to the discussions.

The series is aimed at students who can have the lecture series recognised for their studies, but all other interested parties are also invited. Participation is free of charge and registration is not required. The lectures take place digitally and start at 6 pm on Tuesdays.

Overview of dates

Zoom link to the events: https://uni-wuppertal.zoom-x.de/j/67908392380?pwd=Su7cS4afssCzZYIgmt38eeN1YyhITU.1

• 5 May 2026, 6 p.m.
  "Climate justice and capitalism: a contradiction in terms?" with Professor Ullrich Brand (University of Vienna)
• 19 May 2026, 6 p.m.
  "Sustainable management: Sufficiency and regeneration in the corporate context" with Clara Baues (WuppertaI Institute) and Dr Maike Gossen (TU Berlin)
• 2 June 2026, 6 p.m.
  "Enough is good for everyone: Rethinking and shaping the economy in a socio-ecologically and intersectionally just way" with Lotte Nawothnig (Wuppertal Institute) and Professor Daniela Gottschlich (Hochschule für Gesellschaftsgestaltung (HfGG) Koblenz)
• 16 June 2026, 6 p.m.
  "From land growth to quality of living - strategies for climate-friendly buildings and cities" with Professor Benjamin Best (Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences) and Anja Bierwirth (Wuppertal Institute)
• 30 June 2026, 6 p.m.
  "City of short distances: Concepts for a people-centred mobility of the future" with Carolin Schäfer-Sparenberg (Wuppertal Institute) and Julian Dietze (University of Wuppertal)