Wolfgang Gurgiser, coordinator of the Alpine Space research focus at the University of Innsbruck, argues for more evidence-based decisions by Tyrolean politics. Science in general and mountain research in particular can make an important contribution to this, for example when it comes to socially relevant topics such as hydropower or the settlement of the Alpine region.
Research has the advantage of “putting aside personal sensitivities” and being able to pragmatically and objectively ask what “this or that solution will bring,” Gurgiser told the APA. “Especially when it comes to hydropower, it would be a good idea to reduce the degree of polarization,” he said. Given the challenges in the Alpine region, there are only meaningful solutions that “politics, society and research” have to find together.
“Dedicating intensely to melting glaciers”
According to Gurgiser, subjects such as sustainability, raw materials and natural hazards should also come to the fore in the future. “Climate change is certainly an important driver of research,” says the mountain researcher. For example, the increasing number of hot days raises the question of “alpine retreats” and their uses. Last but not least, you have to make an intensive effort to melt the glaciers.
The leisure industry must also be involved in the discourse. “It is clear, among other things, that the natural environment is being used more and more intensively in leisure time,” says the mountain researcher. In doing so, it’s important to strike a healthy balance between “economic considerations and protection of the natural environment,” Gurgiser said.
“Show alternatives”
In all these questions, science has a decisive function, in addition to providing concrete facts: “As researchers, we must also critically question beliefs, whether they exist in tourism or in politics”. With this critical awareness and scenario calculation, it would be possible to show that there are “alternatives,” Gurgiser said.
To make a possible interaction between research, politics and society work better in the future, a rethinking of the research itself is also necessary: ”We researchers too must stretch our hands in all directions”. According to the coordinator of the Alpine Space research focus, more cooperation between the individual disciplines that are developing around the theme of Alps and mountains is the order of the day.
Source: Krone
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