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#CRX24: Carina Stöttner in conversation with Otto Group CEO Birken on climate transformation

December 10, 2024

On 24 September 2024, the Otto Group launched the second edition of its Corporate Responsibility Experience — #CRX24 — with two high-profile panel discussions on one of the most pressing questions of our time: how can climate transformation succeed when climate fatigue and regulatory pressure are mounting?

Among the participants was Carina Stöttner. Alongside leading figures from business, civil society and the media, she explored how responsibility, motivation and optimism about the future can be brought together.

“Climate transformation has to make economic sense” — Carina Stöttner on the panel

The first panel brought together:

  • Alexander Birken, CEO, Otto Group
  • Carolin Stüdemann, CEO, Viva con Agua
  • Marina Beermann, Cociety foundation network
  • Carina Stöttner, Themis Foresight
  • Jens Schröder, science journalist

Carina Stöttner made the case for developing new economic frameworks — going beyond regulation and incentive schemes alone.

“We need a shared vision that brings people together rather than driving them apart. Climate transformation can’t be a project built on fear — it has to be one of design and perspective.”

She argued that economic and social sustainability need to be thought through together in order to avoid social tension and build long-term stability. Equally decisive, she said, is the work of building institutional bridges — between business, government and civil society — so that visions of the future can be designed and delivered collectively.


The takeaway: the future needs collaboration — and new narratives

#CRX24 made one thing clear: climate transformation is about more than technology and regulation — it’s a cultural and communicative project too. Positive visions of the future, honest dialogue and cross-sector alliances are what it takes to counter climate fatigue and embed sustainable strategy meaningfully inside companies.


Carina Stöttner — futurist and keynote speaker on sustainability, transformation and futures literacy