"The city of Vienna must breathe - climate measures in the city" - this is the motto of district councilor Karin Dobersberger. Ms. Dobersberger is part of the Social Democratic Party of Austria. The Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ) is the oldest existing political party in Austria. Along with the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP), it is one of the two traditional major parties in the country. It is positioned in the center-left part of the political spectrum. Karin Dobersberger states on the party's website that she is committed to a comprehensive, unified climate concept - clearly adapted to the needs of the inner city area, such as: greening of facades, roof gardens, tree planting, traffic concept, "cool" city - origuring "green shade" of public spaces. These measures, according to her, not only prevent the heating of the city air, but also have a positive impact on the quality of life and well-being of people in the city, taking into account the interests and needs of all target groups.
BGNES spoke with Karin Dobersberger at the Sofia Fashion Week and the topic, in addition to sustainable fashion, of course, continued in the direction of ecology, urban air, bike lanes, changing consciousness.
Mrs. Dobersberger, thank you very much for agreeing to this interview for the BGNES Information Agency. We are glad to see you at the Fashion Week in Sofia. But we're not going to talk about fashion. We are going to talk about something related to fashion. You are a councillor...a district councilor in Vienna. Actually, could you introduce yourself, tell us more about yourself?
Yes, I am in the first district - a district councilor. I am working hard on our environmental plan. We start with projects to reduce traffic in Vienna, and then with those in the Commission for Culture. We funded young creatives - eco-activists and yes, this is the main task in Vienna. And my second commitment is my work in the workers' union. There I oversee 74 collective labor agreements.
So you really care about good working conditions and the environment?
Yes, for working conditions, for equality, for fair treatment. This is my task.
Very good! In this aspect, fashion is actually very connected. Everyone is talking about "green" fashion, about sustainability, about caring for the environment. And it also has a lot to do with people's good working conditions. Actually, to the workers.
One of the biggest problems in industrial production is child labor - not in Austria, of course, but in poorer countries around the world.
In fact, recently and in the last few years in the European Union, in the European Parliament and in the European Commission, there is a very big movement that is related to sustainable fashion, to recycling, and in particular to the recycling of clothes. It's all connected. What do you think - how far should politics go to ensure we live in a better world by not wasting too many clothes and resources? How far should politics go? Should we introduce more laws, more law enforcement?
We do better in Austria than here. We have a law on waste management, on separate collection. Yes, and also a very strict traffic law. In Vienna's First District in 2025, we want to reduce cars. Thus, you will be able to stay in the first district for only half an hour. Then you have to leave or find parking in an underground garage. We are working in this direction.
In fact, it has a lot to do with how the workforce is taken care of.
Public transport is also very important. You need to introduce people to public transport. We have lots and lots of bikes and bike lanes. There are many people who ride bicycles here, in Bulgaria, in Sofia. You also have bike lanes. But I didn't see a person riding his bike on them.
Yes, it cannot be compared with Vienna, not to mention - with Amsterdam, which is ...
Amsterdam is great. They are all on bicycles. There isn't a single car. And I think that in Sofia everyone has a car or two cars. Yes. Because there is a lot of traffic. I would like to see Sofia with less traffic because it is better for the environment and to avoid pollution.
What is your message to future generations regarding actually protecting our planet and protecting the environment? Is this one of the most important questions that we will face in the next, say, 25 years, in the next generation?
I have three children. I discuss these issues with them. They have to change their lifestyle. Everyone needs to change their lifestyle. The heating, for example. The heating in Vienna, in my office, last year we maintained a temperature of 22 degrees. This year we got down to 19 degrees. We need to reduce heating, reduce the consumption of fossil fuels. We have to think about the future. It's not just road traffic that pollutes - clothes, too. You talked about clothes. There has to be a change. Yes, but not only with laws. People should take this as a cause. They must perceive it.
To change their way of thinking?
Yes, we all need to change our minds. /BGNES