Quote from Natascha Dockal on 8. April 2021, 12:58

Quote from Harald A. Friedl on 29. March 2021, 10:32

Quote from Natascha Dockal on 28. March 2021, 18:21

I often wonder how it is that some people know about a problem but do not act....
Or let's take the climate strike - I now know many people who say that the climate is important to them. But when I ask them if they will take part in the strike, I only hear no. Why? Because it might mean breaking out of their comfort zone. Similar to when people stay in the same job even though they're unhappy - a change would be too troublesome....

...but maybe it really needs laws and political guidance for the masses. ...

 

Dear Natascha, I love your way of indignation and intellectual engagement.
I absolutely agree with you - as most of reserachers and activists in the field of sustainability would do - that different frameworks are needed: Laws to end one way plastic packings by implementing deposits; much higher taxes on kerosine, flight tickets and so on.
But as you also have observed the fundamental need of people for continuity while they hate change that reduces comfort, politicians who are couraged enough to touch political taboos...
...won't survive very long. We live in a democracy. In consequence, it is the majority with their expression of agreement who "guides" the politicians, especially by their votes. The alternative could be a kind of "eco-dictatorship" which is also very dangerous - because of a simple reason:

Nobody knows the "truth" about the "right way" to "save the world": Democracy, from this perspective, is also a competition about the most accepted interpretation of how we should see and interpret the world, and and which instruments would be the best once in oder to cope with the challenges of this world.
And this is absolutely not evident...

Dear Harald,
I agree with you quite a lot. Even if it seems a bit as if the habit is hard to break and as if far too little is happening on the subject of environmental protection, and if it is, then far too slowly.
Exciting link to my master's thesis - after my interviews with people in positions of responsibility in a luxury hotel, I have now surprisingly noticed the desire for environmental protection, partly because it would then harmonize better with the people's own values, partly also because it can save costs and the path of sustainability must be taken at some point anyway. BUT, almost everyone is of the opinion that the topic is always gladly pushed aside, especially in the hotel industry, because other things are more important. So, again, it has something to do with the fact that one would perhaps have to increase the pressure of suffering or make it clear. Again, the parallel to the guest's desire for continuity - if they are used to something, then you can't just take that away from them. I'm coming to the conclusion, also based on the interviews, that communication might be the key here. That guests can be shown what contribution they make in particular when they help out, and that this can be broken down to the smallest areas and actions.
And also with regard to female employees, communication, the WHY behind the actions and the role model role of the managers play an important role. But of course, here too there is no one way that works for sure. It has a lot to do with learning and as you say so beautiful, that can be painful, even if it is necessary.

Quote from Harald A. Friedl on 8. April 2021, 22:19

Dear Natascha, just a very short answer as it is already late: I am very impressed by your first research results - very glad that you are doing this research and what you are on the way to find our. Keep on doing your research , and keep on searching for helpful solutions. It is absolutely worth!
More details later. Thanks for now, bye.