Annual Meeting of the Austrian Economic Association (NOeG) 2024

Global warming caused by greenhouse gases from human activities is the most serious threat to long-run economic development and the life of human beings. Significant changes on all aspects of our behaviour and in all sectors of the economy are imperative. The annual conference of the Austrian Economic Association (NOeG) aims to discuss the economic consequences, challenges and potential pathways of our transition to a low carbon economy. The organizers invite submissions on this topic as well as from all areas of economics including macroeconomics, economic development and growth, environmental and ecological economics, resource and agriculture economics, labor and demographic economics, microeconomics and industrial organization, urban and regional economics, etc.

Registration was open from June 1 until July 22 2024 at https://www.conftool.net/noeg2024/

If you have any questions please contact noeg2024(at)boku.ac.at!

Conference fee:
For NOeG members: 0 € (membership is € 55/year - see www.noeg.ac.at)
For non-members: 100 €

Keynote Lecture 1 by Katheline Schubert

Time:
Monday, 02/Sept/2024:
17:30 - 19:00

LINK: https://www.youtube.com/live/N7hN4-dwBK0
(The keynote is part of the Opening Session of the conference. Stream starts at 17:30, Keynote Lecture starts at about 17:50)

Title: Sobriety. A necessity to fight climate change?

Given the slow pace of progress in climate policy, policymakers are increasingly focusing on reducing demand for energy-intensive goods and services as a crucial component of the energy transition. This is "energy sobriety," defined in this talk as the voluntary reduction of demand, particularly at the household level. Key factors such as education, information, and behavioral nudges play a vital role in fostering changes in preferences and reducing behavioral biases to achieve this sobriety.However, energy sobriety cannot rely solely on individual actions. The talk underscores the importance of societal changes, including infrastructure development and the evolution of social norms, to support more sustainable lifestyles. Moreover, while voluntary behavioral changes are essential, they are insufficient on their own. Achieving significant emission reductions requires comprehensive and ambitious climate policies, along with broad societal and infrastructural transformations.The talk finally highlights the need for equity in these efforts, emphasizing that wealthier individuals and nations should bear a greater share of the burden.

Keynote Lecture 2 by Karsten Neuhoff