Vienna's Environmental Advocate: Peter Kraus
In the heart of Austria, Peter Kraus, a City Council Member for the Green Party, is making a significant impact on the city of Vienna. Kraus sees cities as the crucible of our future, particularly in terms of sustainability and an open-minded way of life.
Kraus's passion for urbanism was sparked after moving to Vienna and immersing himself in urban life. Today, he is a key figure in promoting climate-friendly and people-focused policies within the city council.
As a self-proclaimed "climate city councillor," Kraus focuses on climate change and the climate crisis. He is convinced that Vienna can adapt to the climate crisis by changing its approach to water and other critical areas.
Kraus's political journey within Vienna’s city council has been marked by advocating for stronger climate action aligned with the city’s goals for sustainable development. He also champions inclusive policies that address the needs of diverse communities.
In the face of challenges, Kraus remains resilient. During the COVID-19 lockdown, he missed the engagement with citizens and found motivation in summer 2021 protests to convert a parking space into a park. He also values cooperation, talking to other Green districts and colleagues from all parties to create change.
One of Kraus's most notable achievements is the transformation of Mariahilfer Straße in central Vienna from a car-infested main street into a successful pedestrian zone. This two-year political fight has resulted in a bustling area that prioritizes people over cars.
Kraus believes that politics means concrete change in everyday life. He finds motivation in the hopes and energy of the people who elected him and sees his work on urban change as personal, as he has made his mark on the city he loves for the benefit of the people he cares about.
Looking ahead, Kraus envisions a lot changing in politics by 2030, with sustainability leading the charge and decisions around how we use and interact with our cities at the forefront. He emphasizes the importance of listening to experts in urban and traffic planning, climate budgeting, and other relevant fields. Above all, Kraus believes that the most important skill in politics is listening.
In addition to his political work, Kraus learned about urban planning and the economics of cities during his five-year tenure working for Maria Vassilakou, who became the city's vice mayor. He was also advised by his grandma to pick his battles wisely in politics, a lesson he applies when working for change. Another piece of advice he received was to meet strangers often to stay grounded in his work and keep an open mind.
Kraus grew up in a small village and moved to Vienna to study at 18. Today, he is a non-executive city councillor and a member of the Viennese state government, using his platform to advocate for a greener, more sustainable, and equitable Vienna.
Peter Kraus, during his tenure as a non-executive city councillor, continues to advocate for environmental-science policies that address climate-change in Vienna. His vision for the city extends beyond 2030, with a focus on sustainability in politics and the use of urban-science to make the city people-friendly and eco-conscious. He draws inspiration from experts in various fields like urban and traffic planning, climate budgeting, and general-news to guide his politics towards effective change.
