In this episode, Greiner Talks host Alexander Berth spoke to Austrian Scientist of the Year 2022 and biodiversity researcher Franz Essl. In addition to facts about the biodiversity crisis and the rapid progress of species extinction, the scientist also gave personal insights into his career and his love of nature.
Franz Essl is a professor at the University of Vienna and a member of the Austrian Biodiversity Council. He stresses that biodiversity loss affects not only iconic species but also the unnoticed creatures that play essential roles in our ecosystem. Acknowledging the alarming rate of species extinction, Essl urges the importance of action at every level. He also highlights the biodiversity crisis's interconnectedness with climate change.
Essl underlines the role of corporations in driving change to preserve biodiversity. Corporate policies should be aligned with science-based targets and companies should join alliances that advocate for effective policies. Addressing the ongoing protests for climate action, he offers understanding, recognizing the urgency of the message they convey.