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Implementing simple ideas for more climate protection

Simply do it is the motto of the EmpowerLIFE project launched in 2023. It supports people in realising their do-it-yourself ideas and plans in relation to climate protection. The climate crisis and the energy crisis that emerged in 2022 are motivating many people to take action: they simultaneously want to live more sustainably, help shape the future and reduce costs.

The urban exodus and the climate

Many mountain regions in the Alps are affected by out-migration. However, climate change is also causing some people to migrate – at least temporarily – from the cities to the mountains, as an Italian research project shows.

The role of forests in climate change

What role will forests play in the future in the face of climate change? At the end of 2023, CIPRA Slovenia co-organized a meeting of various interest groups on this topic. Experts agreed on the need to designate more areas where forests are left unmanaged.

Extreme weather at a glance across the Alps

At the end of November, a new Alpine-wide research centre presented itself to the public at the Schneefernerhaus, the German environmental research station below the Zugspitze peak: the “TUM Alpha – Centre for Alpine Hazards and Risks” will coordinate, on an international basis, the prediction of extreme climate events in the mountains.

Flooded mountains

Drought, flooded villages, landslides and landslips: these have all happened in the Alps, but the climate crisis is making natural disasters more likely and preparations for emergencies all the more important. An Alpine-wide research project is therefore investigating the climate resilience of biosphere reserves.

Cycling to the glacier

Exactly how mountaineering and climate protection can be combined was shown by a group of cyclists who biked from Lindau/D to the Ochsental Glacier/A at the start of September 2023. Topics along the way ranged from sustainable tourism to hydropower and nature conservation to glacier loss.

Too much, too loud, too crowded

From the tunnel blockade in Hallstatt/A to the protest rally on the Sella Pass/I: civil society is protesting against overtourism in the Alpine regions – and demanding relief for people and the environment.

SWCF2023: Swiss Water & Climate Forum

Experience the last of the glaciers

Recharge your batteries, go cycling, visit the glaciers: the Alpine Climate Camps project combines mountain sports with climate protection, further encouraging young climate activists. A bicycle tour in Austria at the beginning of September 2023 and other activities in Switzerland and Italy will draw attention to the disappearing glaciers.

Managing climate risks in biosphere reserves

As an effect of climate change, droughts, floods and other natural hazards are becoming more frequent, sometimes even simultaneously. How can we as a society learn to cope with this and become more resilient in the process? What role can biosphere reserves play in the Alpine region and beyond? With CIPRA participation, a new research project is now looking into these questions.

"Climate protection is health protection"

The health consequences of the climate crisis range from cardiovascular problems through to allergies, infectious diseases and depression. At the first Liechtenstein «Future Forum Alps», held at the end of June 2023, some 140 participants from various Alpine countries discussed measures for climate and health protection.

Lawsuits and laws for climate protection

Climate protection laws define clear climate targets, but for many the measures set out are insufficient. Climate lawsuits are increasing political pressure in the Alpine countries.

Central Mountains

The Central Mountains project strengthens the transfer of knowledge in and between the Alps and the Carpathians. Together with the project partners, CIPRA International Lab is working for the cross-border and sustainable development of mountain regions in Central Europe.

Hidden CO2 emitters

Climate protection measures are expensive, which is why they are regularly criticised and rejected. How then can it be that at the same time the Alpine states are spending billions on environmentally harmful subsidies?

Expedition for future female glacier researchers

Stay overnight on the glacier for over a week, climb peaks, carry out scientific experiments: the “Girls* on Ice” project offers girls an awe-inspiring summer experience.

Alpine Kick Camp

For years, millions of young people have been taking to the streets to call for climate protection and a future worth living. However, politics, economy and society are changing too little and too slowly. Many activists are now discouraged and exhausted. This is why we invite you to join us for a 5-day retreat to recharge your batteries, find new motivation on behalf of climate protection in a beautiful alpine landscape and network with like-minded people.

FutureForum Alps Liechtenstein 2023

How does the climate crisis affect our physical and mental health? What measures are needed to keep us and the environment healthy? These and other questions will be addressed by the first Liechtenstein Future Forum Alps on 30 June and 1 July 2023 in Schaan under the title “My health, our climate”.

Mountain forests and climate change

The consequences of climate change are also becoming apparent in the forests of the Alps. In South Tyrol/I and East Tyrol/A this year has seen an explosive spread of pests. What looks like frightening devastation might present a long-term opportunity, however.

A stronger voice for young people

Young people want to bring about sustainable change, but politics and society are moving too slowly. At the launch of CIPRA International’s Erasmus+ project “Alpine Climate Camps”, young adults discussed their commitment to a sustainable world in Schaan/LI in January 2023.

Unsuitable landscapes for energy production

The results of a recent survey from Switzerland are clear: no to energy production in almost unspoilt mountain areas. Intensively used areas around ski resorts or existing power plants would be better suited to the expansion of renewable energy.

Climate action and lifestyle: Explaining and overcoming barriers to climate action

The recent booklet “Closing the gap on climate action – Building new rope teams to support climate-neutral & resilient living in the Alps” of the Alpine Climate Board (ACB) gives insights into how the Alps can become a frontrunner for climate action. To really implement the vision of the Alpine Climate Target System 2050, the ACB needs broad support from different stakeholders and all Alpine citizens. But how to motivate people to join the rope team of the ACB, especially in this time of crisis and growing resignation?

South-East Europe’s first climate champions crowned

Climate protection across borders: on 9 November 2022, South-East Europe’s first Climate Champions were crowned in Sarajevo/BiH. From 40 projects submitted on climate protection and sustainability, an international jury of experts selected five, while two other projects received special awards.

Young people in action for the Alps

Implement your own ideas locally, initiate sustainable change and discover personal resources: these are the achievements of the two Erasmus+ youth projects, Alps2030 and Re.sources, that ended in autumn 2022.

Alpine towns – key to sustainable development

The ninth Report on the State of the Alps, entitled “Alpine Towns”, was presented as part of the Swiss presidency of the Alpine Convention. It sheds light on how the Alpine settlement system hinders – or helps – the sustainable development of the Alps.

Alliance for climate-neutral Alpine transport

Seven of eight signatory states to the Alpine Convention today signed a progressive action plan for climate-neutral mobility by 2050 in Brig/CH. CIPRA International contributed to the almost two-year development of the action plan with proposals for the “Simplon Alliance”.

Alliance for climate-neutral Alpine transport

Seven of eight signatory states to the Alpine Convention today signed a progressive action plan for climate-neutral mobility by 2050 in Brig/CH. CIPRA International contributed to the almost two-year development of the action plan with proposals for the “Simplon Alliance”. CIPRA and the Alpine Initiative are calling for more than mere lip service to the alliance.

Flexible and eco-friendly through the Alps

The right decision for their wallet and for the environment: 150 young participants in CIPRA’s Youth Alpine Interrail project celebrated the end of their climate-friendly journey of discovery through the Alps by train and bus in Bern at the beginning of October 2022.

Flexible and eco-friendly through the Alps

The right decision for their wallet and for the environment: 150 young participants in CIPRA’s Youth Alpine Interrail project celebrated the end of their climate-friendly journey of discovery through the Alps by train and bus in Bern at the beginning of October 2022.

Alpine Climate Camps

[Project completed] Recharge your batteries, experience glaciers, go by bike: The Alpine Climate Camps project combines mountain sports and climate protection while encouraging young climate activists.

EUROPARC Conference 2022: Climate Change, Resilient Parks!

The EUROPARC Federation and the Fédération des Réserves Naturelles Catalanes (FRNC) are honoured to invite you to France for the EUROPARC annual conference and General Assembly. This year’s edition will focus on Climate Change Adaptation in and around Protected Areas. Throughout the program and with the help of experienced practitioners, experts and researchers, we will seek to better understand: How will climate change affect Protected Areas and their surroundings? How to assess their vulnerability? How to prepare ourselves collectively to adapt for the future? The EUROPARC Conference is the biggest gathering of Protected Area professionals in Europe. Hosted every year in a different location in Europe, this year will take place in Argelès-sur-Mer, France. Find out who are the organisers and supporters that have made this conference possible.