Reinhard Steurer

Reinhard Steurer serves as Associate Professor of Climate Policy and Deputy at the Institute of Forest, Environmental and Natural Resource Policy at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) Vienna. His research critically examines the political dimensions of the climate crisis, with particular focus on the proliferation of excuses and pseudo-climate protection measures across societal sectors. Steurer actively engages in public discourse through Twitter @ReiSteurer and supports youth climate movements as a Scientist for Future.

His academic foundation includes a Mag.phil. (1997) and Dr.phil. (2001) in Political Science from the University of Salzburg, a Master of Public Policy (2002) from the University of Maryland, USA, and habilitation in Comparative Politics at BOKU Vienna (2013).

Steurer's research spans climate governance, federalism's impact on climate policy, sustainable development strategies, and corporate social responsibility. He investigates how political systems in Austria, Switzerland, and Denmark enable symbolic climate gestures while hindering substantive action, particularly in flood risk management and building sector decarbonization. His work reveals institutional barriers to policy integration and the gap between climate rhetoric and implementation.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2021-2024) shows consistent focus on European climate legislation, adaptation governance, and the political dynamics of policy change. Key trends include comparative studies of national climate acts, transitions in flood management paradigms, and urban adaptation strategies like green roofs. His work consistently highlights the tension between political symbolism and substantive climate action across governance levels.

With over 70 publications in journals including Policy Sciences and Climate Policy, Steurer has delivered more than 100 presentations and taught at four universities. His public engagement extends beyond academia through active science communication and support for evidence-based climate policymaking.