“Ecological Empathy – An Innovative Approach to Linking Human Behavior with Environmental Awareness,” a research project carried out by KLI alumna Joyshree Chanam and KLI group leader Isabella Sarto-Jackson and funded by the Club of Vienna and Stadt Wien, explored how ecological empathy—the cognitive and emotional capacity to understand our interconnectedness with nature—could foster environmental awareness and sustainable behavior. Through an interdisciplinary literature review and bibliometric analysis, it examined cultural, demographic, socioeconomic, educational, and psychological factors associated with ecological empathy, identifying mindfulness, education, childhood experiences in nature, and cultural values as particularly relevant influences. The report also highlights how fear-based environmental narratives can foster helplessness rather than action, advocating approaches that strengthen emotional resilience, nature connectedness, and a sense of agency. It concludes by recommending early educational interventions and experiential engagement with nature to cultivate ecological empathy and encourage long-term environmental responsibility.

The project results will be presented on 17 November 2026, 6.00 pm at Otto-Mauer-Zentrum, an event organized by the Club of Vienna.