Ms Leonore Gewessler

Ms Leonore Gewessler is an Austrian Green politician who has made significant contributions in the fields of climate action, environment, and energy. Born on September 15, 1977, in Graz, Austria, she currently serves as the Minister for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation, and Technology in the Nehammer government. Gewessler earned a political science degree from the University of Vienna and has a rich background in environmental advocacy.

From 2014 to 2019, she held the position of Executive Director at Global 2000, Austria's largest environmental charity and lobbying group. During her tenure, Gewessler led a successful campaign against the expansion of the ageing Soviet-era Mochovce Nuclear Power Plant in neighboring Slovakia, which was just 100 km from the Austrian border. Her commitment to environmental protection and sustainability has been unwavering.

In 2024, Gewessler played a pivotal role in passing the European Union's Nature Restoration Law, a critical component of the European Green Deal. This law aims to restore 20% of the EU's land and sea by the end of the decade. Despite opposition, Gewessler supported the law, emphasizing the urgency of taking action for nature conservation. Her decision, however, led to legal challenges from Austrian federal states and her coalition partners.

Gewessler's dedication to green policies extends beyond national boundaries. In 2022, she challenged the European Union's categorization of nuclear energy as a green investment, calling it "greenwashing." While some see nuclear energy as a low-carbon option, Gewessler remains committed to finding sustainable alternatives.