ZEIT WISSEN Congress 2026: Courage for Sustainability
Future. Secure. Shaped.
We live in challenging times. So how can we still drive transformation? How can climate action remain on the agenda? And how can we continue investing in a resilient future despite the constant stream of bad news?
A sense of crisis is everywhere. Wars, geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and social divisions are competing for our attention. As the climate crisis intensifies, it is simultaneously slipping from view, while competitiveness, defense, energy prices, and industrial policy take center stage.
Yet the atmosphere does not read party manifestos or coalition agreements. No continent is warming faster than Europe. Our summers are bringing parched soils, wildfires, and nights when cities no longer cool down. Heat is threatening public health while placing growing pressure on agriculture, energy systems, and infrastructure. The world is on course for up to three degrees of warming, with more extreme weather, prolonged droughts, torrential rainfall, melting ice, and rising sea levels. Transformation is therefore not a luxury—it is essential crisis preparedness.
The ZEIT WISSEN Congress Courage for Sustainability explores how meaningful change can succeed in the face of both alarm and resistance. Which resources have been exhausted—and which can be renewed? How can scientific evidence be translated into political action? And how can promising ideas become solutions that truly make a difference?
On September 9, ZEIT editors will welcome an inspiring lineup of guests from science, business, culture, and politics. Podcaster Yasmine M'Barek will ask Germany's Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider how effective crisis narratives are in advancing climate policy. Linda Kastrup, spokesperson for Fridays for Future Germany, and Sudanese climate negotiator Nisreen Elsaim will offer their perspectives on the current state of climate action. Violinist Lea Brückner will demonstrate her commitment not only through words but also through music, performing live with her ensemble. Director Florian Heinzen-Ziob will present his documentary The Weight of the World, which follows scientists who felt that academia alone was no longer enough to address the climate crisis. These are just a few highlights from a diverse and inspiring program.
More information on the ZEIT WISSEN Congress website.
Please note that all sessions will be conducted in German.
The ZEIT WISSEN Congress – Courage for Sustainability is an initiative of the Stiftung Forum für Verantwortung and the ZEIT Publishing Group.
Wednesday, September 9
Betonhalle
Doors: from 12 pm
Start preliminary programme: 12:15 pm, Start main programme: 2 pm
Main stage programme runs from 2 pm to 7 pm
As part of the pre- and post-programme (12:15 pm & 7:15 pm): Screening of the current feature documentary The Weight of the World
The event is free to attend. Please register in advance here.