Totschnig visits Vienna's green model companies for climate protection!

Totschnig visits Vienna's green model companies for climate protection!

Environment and Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig (ÖVP) had an exciting day in Vienna on Friday, which was all about climate protection and economic success. Totschnig visited two innovative companies that impressively show how environmental and climate protection can be combined without having to resort to bans. “We need positive examples,” emphasized the minister during his tour, leaving a lasting impression.

The first stop was the Merschl vegetable farm, a family business that is over 100 years old and works with an impressive circulatory system. Merschl uses modern technologies, including a carbon capture system. This innovative technology filters CO₂ from the air to use it as fertilizer. Totschnig praised the company as a European showcase project for circular economy. This makes it clear that time-honored, traditional companies can still play a central role in modern and sustainable agriculture in 2025.

Sustainable technologies in focus

Another highlight of the visit was the start-up Blün, which specializes in aquaponics. This exciting concept combines fish farming and vegetable cultivation in a symbiotic circulatory system. The efficient use of water and the almost loss-free reuse of water promotes environmentally friendly food production. Totschnig emphasized how important water is as a basis for life, especially in the context of climate change. The need for such innovative approaches is undisputed, after all, food production is responsible for up to 37% of greenhouse gas emissions, as the 2021 IPCC study shows.

Gösta F. M. Baganz's dissertation at RWTH Aachen University also highlights the great potential of aquaponics for sustainable urban development. Their role becomes particularly important when we consider that by 2050, around 68% of the world's population will live in cities, as the UN predicts. Challenges such as the high pressure on available space in urban regions also need to be addressed. Innovative solutions such as aquaponics can provide an answer.

Showcase projects for the future

Both companies visited not only represent economic success, but also ecological responsibility. Totschnig would like to highlight such pioneers and show that protecting the climate can also promote innovation and strengthening the location. He is convinced: “There is no contradiction between economic and ecological goals.” In doing so, he brings the topic of sustainability into the focus of social discussion and shows how important it is for companies and politics to work hand in hand.

Totschnig’s perspective couldn’t be more contemporary. Because in a world where climate change and urbanization are advancing, it is essential that we take innovative steps in the right direction. The combination of successful entrepreneurship and sustainable practices is a path that can revolutionize the future of food production while creating new jobs. In view of these positive examples, it becomes clear: climate protection can also mean economic growth.

So a lot is happening in Vienna, and that is in the interests of everyone who believes in a greener future.

Further information on the topics of aquaponics and sustainable development can be found in the comprehensive study material from RWTH Aachen University or on MeinBezirk.