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Who is telling the truth? How the media shape our society
At the European Forum Alpbach, Alexander Berth, host of Greiner Talks, talked to Nic Newman from the Reuters Institute of Journalism about communication and sustainability, the radically changing media landscape and the role of trust.
Nic Newman is a Senior Research Fellow at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford, where he is the lead author of the annual “Digital News Report”. He conducts research on media and technology trends, trust, payment models for news, social media and the impact of artificial intelligence.
In the interview with Greiner Talks, he shares his impressions of the European Forum Alpbach and delves deeper into the topics that shape journalism and media use today. We are currently living in a time in which social media and algorithmic filter bubbles are increasingly influencing the way we consume information.
Algorithms are often designed to reinforce existing opinions, making it more difficult to access diverse perspectives. Filter bubbles, the phenomenon whereby we are only shown content that confirms our existing opinions, is real, but not as all-encompassing as is often assumed. This is because there are also algorithms that aim to introduce us to new content. Trust is becoming a crucial factor in the credibility of the media, partly due to technological developments in the field of artificial intelligence.
One of the central topics was the perception of negative news. Nic Newman explained that many people feel that reporting is too negative, but also pointed out the importance of solution journalism. There are many positive things that are worthy of reporting, whether in climate change or technology.
During the discussion, Nic Newman also emphasized the great importance of independent journalism for our society. Without it, there can be no informed and functioning democracy.
“We need independent journalism to hold companies and politicians accountable.” – Nic Newman, Senior Research Fellow at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford
Despite the difficulties, Newman remains optimistic that journalism can continue to consolidate its role in society. He believes it is particularly important to better understand the audience: “What I have learned is to listen much more and talk less.”
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What do human rights have to do with business? A lot! In the new Greiner Talks episode, Harpreet Kaur, a human rights expert, discusses with Alexander Berth why companies have such an important role to play in this area and why a rethink is needed.
Harpreet Kaur has been working in the field of human rights for over 15 years and is a business and human rights specialist at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). In the interview, she emphasizes the increasing responsibility of companies not only to serve their shareholders, but also to bring about positive social change. We need to ask ourselves how companies can exert a positive influence beyond their legal obligations. Harpreet Kaur is convinced that every decision should be scrutinized from a human rights perspective. This means that companies should take responsibility for the impact of their decisions from the factory floor to the boardroom.
“It's not just about compliance policies or checklists, but about looking at every decision through the lens of human dignity.” - Harpreet Kaur, Business and Human Rights Specialist at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
The global challenges faced by companies operating in different cultural and legal contexts are also discussed. Kaur recommends using a global framework, but acting locally at the same time.
Overall, Harpreet Kaur's message is clear: companies play a crucial role in upholding human rights. By taking responsibility, they can not only avoid harm but also actively do good.
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In the most recent episode of Greiner Talks, Alexander Berth interviews Andreas Rasche, Professor at Copenhagen Business School, about corporate sustainability and business ethics. A talk about the importance of values within organizations and a pragmatic approach towards sustainability.
Rasche’s research focuses on corporate sustainability, strategic management and policy making in the light of global challenges. For more than 20 years, he has been analyzing sustainability regulations, voluntary sustainability initiatives, and the paradoxes inherent in sustainability. When asked what constitutes a responsible and sustainable business, Rasche highlights authenticity and the importance of living organizational values.
“A responsible business is a business that is authentic and that takes its value seriously. Responsibility and sustainability have a lot to do with our value space and that we really need to live these values.”
Addressing the feasibility of achieving sustainability, Rasche advocates for a pragmatic approach, focusing on so-called "weak" sustainability, which accepts some unavoidable emissions and waste while striving for significant overall improvements. He also stresses that good governance is crucial for addressing environmental and social issues effectively: "Without good governance, we cannot really tackle these environmental and social problems."
In conclusion, Rasche advises companies to prioritize their values, which will guide them in implementing sustainability and navigating challenges. “At the very end of the day, it's a values question. It's about what we as an organization believe in and what we believe the purpose of this organization is - and whether we really stand up for this purpose and are willing to deliver.”
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Greiner Talks is our podcast about transformation. Alexander Berth speaks to experts from around the world to learn about their perspectives on the future of our economy and society.
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Katharina Moser is a speaker, moderator, and part of the Inner Development Goals Foundation – and beyond that a passionate advocate for authentic human connections. In our Greiner Talks episode, she shares her insights on emotions, transformation and collaboration.
The Inner Development Goals are a global initiative aimed at fostering essential skills and capacities for tackling humanity's most pressing issues. Rooted in the belief that inner development is integral to creating a more sustainable future, the initiative provides a framework comprising 23 skills across five dimensions: being, thinking, relating, collaborating, and acting.
In their conversation, Katharina and Alexander delve into the profound impact of inner growth on personal and collective endeavors, shedding light on the Inner Development Goals initiative and its significance in addressing global challenges. It is important to embrace both rational and emotional aspects of human nature. Modern society tends to overlook the profound influence of emotions on behavior and decision-making.
The core belief of the inner development goals is - that through developing these skills - we will be able to create a different type of outcome, a more sustainable future, and better solutions for our challenges. – Katharina Moser
In closing, Katharina Moser offers a powerful message to the world: "Listen to yourself. Be present with yourself." Her words resonate with the essence of inner development, urging individuals to embark on a journey of self-discovery and introspection.
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Our podcast series Greiner Talks is all about transformation. Alexander Berth talks to experts from across the world about the prospects and opportunities offered by a sustainable economy and society.
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In our rapidly evolving world, the ability to adapt to new circumstances and environments is essential. But what does change do to our human brain? How are organizations impacted by change? And how can we effectively navigate these challenges?
In this episode of Greiner Talks, Alexander Berth speaks to Pieter Kruger, a Clinical Psychologist specializing in mental well-being and performance under stress. Kruger, known for his work with elite sports teams and corporate leaders, shares insights into dealing with change while maintaining performance – both at an individual as well as an organizational level.
Kruger describes the human brain's resistance to change due to its evolutionary design for survival, emphasizing the stress and anxiety caused by uncertainty in today's volatile environment. Practical advice is offered on managing stress, such as diary management, taking breaks from technology, physical movement, and the importance of hydration and diet. Kruger also touches on the importance of discipline and planning to overcome obstacles to personal well-being.
“The more opportunity you create for people to be heard, the more you communicate top down, the better your organization will be when you come to any form of change.” - Pieter Kruger, Clinical Psychologist, Cognacity
At the organizational level, Kruger advises leaders to acknowledge the emotional aspects of change, emphasizing clear communication and inclusion to mitigate resistance. He underscores the importance of providing resources and control to employees to reduce workplace stress.
Greiner Talks is our podcast focusing on sustainability and transformation. Alexander Berth regularly talks to experts from across the world about the prospects and opportunities offered by a sustainable economy and society.
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As a professor at the Technical University of Dresden and the founding director of the Center Synergy of Systems, Brockmann shares insights into his journey through the realms of complex systems, bridging the gap between diverse scientific disciplines. But what is complexity? Dirk Brockmann defines complex systems as phenomena that transcend traditional scientific fields, such as pandemics or climate change. He introduces complexity science as a field without borders, connecting social sciences, life sciences, economics, and ecology to analyze phenomena from a holistic viewpoint.
According to him, sustainability or climate crisis are the study of human behavior and behavioral changes. The question is: Why have we known about the problems for so long, but are not solving them?
"Climate change and sustainability require a fundamental restructuring of society. The only way people are willing to do something radically different is when they're either scared or when there's a promise at the end. " – Dirk Brockmann
He emphasizes the need to address human behavior and perceptions to bring about change. “When we say 1.5°C degrees, we know - as scientists - that's horrible. But it doesn't sound that way, the number doesn't communicate the consequences. So we need to think about what it means. Can you translate that into something people feel, something they can relate to?
Of course, we cannot only talk about negative consequences, we also have to paint a picture of how great it might be if we tackle the climate crisis. The good thing about us humans, so Brockmann, is that “we can make decisions that are against our intuition, against our gut feeling, but wise and anticipating the future”.
Greiner Talks is our podcast focusing on sustainability and transformation. Alexander Berth regularly talks to experts from across the world about the prospects and opportunities offered by a sustainable economy and society.
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The World Bank is a multinational development bank based in the US capital Washington, DC. It is here that McClain-Nhlapo is responsible for various projects in the field of inclusion. Her task is to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in the World Bank Group.
“Seeing the direct impact of your work and on our investments can be extremely gratifying.” Charlotte McClain-Nhlapo, Global Disability Advisor at the World Bank
She was born in South Africa during the apartheid era and lived in various countries as a child. Her parents' marriage was forbidden in South Africa because fer father is a white US-American and her mother a black South-African. Even as a child, it was clear to Charlotte McClain-Nhlapo that she wanted to do her bit to make the world a better place in the future. A serious car accident as a young adult led to her living her life in a wheelchair, which only intensified her quest for justice.
In the interview, McClain-Nhlapo emphasizes the importance of viewing disability as a spectrum of visible and invisible forms. Globally, 15 to 18 % of the world's population lives with disabilities - a conservative estimate due to underreporting and stigmatization. Due to natural disasters and conflicts, this number will continue to increase in the future. She also emphasizes that disabilities and poverty go hand in hand.
But what can people without disabilities do to help? Even though a lot has happened in recent years, we still have a long way to go. It is important to recognize the following: Inclusion of people with disabilities and diversity in general is something that concerns us all. According to Charlotte McClain-Nhlapo, being an ally, showing empathy and respect and not making assumptions are important steps that we should all take. Her final appeal is: "Leave no one behind."
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Elena Doms is concerned for the environment and emphasizes the critical impact of climate change on the Arctic. There are many examples of drastic weather shifts that affect daily life: from disruptions in transportation due to changing ice patterns to unusual heat in summer impacting the region's boreal rainforests.
The Arctic is warming up four times faster than the rest of the planet, but it's connected with the rest of the planet. Looking at the concept of the tipping points in climate science, many of those tipping points are located in the Arctic or next to the Arctic region. A tipping point is a point where a small change can cause a big, sometimes unstoppable, effect.
Transitioning from her corporate role at Mastercard, Elena made a profound change and co-founded the startup Earth Plus. The startup's focus is on utilizing nature's power to restore polluted lands affected by forever chemicals and other contaminants. Forever chemicals are in our phones, in our laptops, in our cameras, sometimes in waterproof jackets, in paint, or in furniture. They surround us because they have very useful properties, but they are also toxic and stick around in nature and in our bodies. Earth Plus employs specialized plants to absorb pollutants, which are then harvested and processed into bio-based materials, contributing to the circular economy.
Elena Doms emphasizes the urgency for positive action in sustainability, encouraging young professionals to follow their passion and engage actively in the field: “Be proactive and listen to your heart. If that's really what you want to do, do it now.”
At the end of the interview, Elena leaves a powerful message to the world: "Positive action, now." Learn more about her story and her startup in this episode!
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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.
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Gernot Wagner was born in Austria and has lived in the USA for many years. He has been teaching and researching at Columbia Business School since 2022, before which he was at New York University and Harvard University. As a thought leader and advocate for sustainability, Wagner notes that addressing the climate crisis is not just a moral imperative but also an economic opportunity. It is crucial to price negative environmental impacts and to transition to clean energy.
Wagner also highlights the symbiotic relationship between urban environments and nature. He emphasizes how dense city living can make room for the preservation of natural spaces, stressing that urban areas and nature are mutually dependent. This perspective challenges the notion that city life and nature must be at odds and underscores the importance of smart urban planning in fostering sustainability.
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Tensie Whelan is the Director of the Stern Center for Sustainable Business at New Your University and was the President of the Rainforest Alliance for many years. At NYU, she and her team developed the Return on Sustainability Investment (ROSI) Methodology. Whelan is working at the nexus of the private sector, nonprofits and academia because that's where she feels she can make the most impact.
In her research, Whelan noticed that when making decisions, companies are often not looking at the cost of inaction: What happens if you don't make that sustainable investment from a financial perspective. The results of their studies speak a clear language: sustainability also pays off financially. With her research, she is helping companies to be able to embrace sustainability as an important element of better management.
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Marianne Schulze is a lawyer with a focus on social sustainability. She has worked internationally on more than 20 resolutions for the UN General Assembly as well as the UN Security Council. In the extensive field of human rights, she specialized in mental health.
Human rights give us guidance on how to make sure that each and every one of us is safe. One of the challenges, says Schulze, is that not only are human rights seen as something that has very little to do with us, that it's also that we have this attitude that we’ve already done that.
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Christina von Messling is Head of Europe and a senior strategic foresight consultant at the Future Today Institute in New York City. She specializes in climate, entertainment and Europe, and starts each workday with thorough research. In doing so, she keeps an eye out for developments that haven't yet hit the mainstream.
Does her job leave room for optimism? "Absolutely. We are very optimistic. We're optimistic realists." Most people want to see positive change, so as a futurologist, she points to plausible futures that inspire. Even though catastrophic scenarios have their place as well.
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MATR offers an all-in-one mattress solution for hotels based on the principles of the circular economy. Because “It's time we make the world more circular”. Michaela Stephen founded the company together with Verena Judmayer - and was able to build on the support of Greiner Innoventures, Greiner's innovation hub.
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„A true environmental hero“ - that's how our host Alexander Berth announces the agronomist and winner of the Alternative Nobel Prize (Right Livelihood Award) Tony Rinaudo in the interview. Rinaudo is also known as "The Forest Maker" and gives exciting insights into his love of forests, their great importance for the climate and his work on reforestation.
With the reforestation technique "Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration" (FMNR), which he developed, parts of the Sahel could be successfully revegetated. However, he sees the local communities and farmers as the real heroes of his work. Listen in now and learn more about Tony Rinaudo's life!
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One thing is clear: companies must take responsibility for those emissions they cause and ensure that their negative impact is reduced. Many companies that are actually competitors are already joining forces in initiatives to learn from each other. Because: "There is no way out of this crisis if we don't work together."
Lubomila Jordanova is considered one of the most influential founders in the European green tech landscape. Her startup Plan A, which she founded with Nathan Bonnisseau, has spent the last few years developing a CO2 reduction tool that allows companies to automatically calculate their emissions. According to Jordanova, technology is only useful if it is used at scale and if we understand it. Most importantly, we need to agree on a psychological level that we want to walk the Net Zero path together - as a society and as a business. Listen in now to learn more!
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In Greiner Talks, charismatic scientist John Warner argues that chemists in the 21st century must drastically adapt their working methods. For him, it is particularly important to change the way chemistry is taught. We need to adapt to the challenges of today. Listen in and find out more!
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Greiner Talks host Alexander Berth met Jean Todt on the sidelines of the Green Peak Festival in Vienna to talk about safe mobility, about the relation between Formula 1 and sustainability and about the learnings he can share from his career.
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In this special episode of Greiner Talks, Alexander Berth travelled to Sharm El-Sheikh and met up with activists, climate scientists, politicians, civil society representatives and companies to share their perspectives. How can we all improve on climate action and after all, can we still save our planet?
Listen in and get a feeling of what it is like to be inside the Conference of the Parties.
Learn more at sustainability.greiner.com.
Credit 0:57-1:28: UN Climate Change
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How to change? How to create a sustainable future? Greiner Talks is a podcast about sustainability and transformation.Listen in and get inspired!
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