How Royal Leadership is Driving Pragmatic Climate Solutions

At a green investment conference in Paris, I had the privilege of meeting His Imperial and Royal Highness Archduke Sandor Habsburg-Lothringen, Prince of Tuscany. What started as a brief chat quickly turned into an invitation to visit sustainable farms in Austria that were transformed by one of his organizations.

The Archduke, a direct descendant of some of Europe’s most iconic figures like Empress Maria Theresia, Catherine the Great, and Queen Victoria, isn’t just a symbol of old-world grandeur—he’s a forward-thinking conservationist. For decades, he has been pioneering agricultural systems that aim to solve global challenges like food security, resource management, and economic stability. And at the heart of his philosophy is something surprisingly simple: nature-based solutions. His belief? “Nature holds the answers.”

During our drive through the Austrian countryside, I was surprised when he shared his scepticism about the obsession with “net zero.” While he acknowledges its aspirational value, he argues that it often “distracts from the immediate, practical actions we can take today.” Instead of getting caught up in lofty targets, he advocates for “net reduction”—actively cutting emissions, protecting nature, and tapping into ecosystems to absorb carbon.

Forests, in particular, are at the heart of his philosophy. According to a study published in Nature, forests absorb around 7.6 billion metric tons of CO₂ each year—about 18% of global emissions (Nature).

Beyond carbon storage, forests can cool the environment significantly, with research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Information School (iSchool) showing that they can reduce temperatures by up to 8°C through shade and evapotranspiration (University of Wisconsin-Madison). Yet, deforestation continues at an alarming rate, with around 10 million hectares lost annually, according to the United Nations FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) (UN FAO).

One of the farms I visited demonstrated exactly what the Archduke’s philosophy looks like in action. Once a pig farm, it’s been transformed by ProFram into an aquaponic system—fish and vegetables living in harmony. The fish excrement naturally fertilizes the vegetables, creating a circular, self-sustaining, weather-resilient system. The produce is sold only locally, cutting the middleman and increasing the farmer’s profit margins.

The Archduke highlights that these farms are not just about trees and fish. Soil plays a massive role too. Healthy soil can store up to three times more carbon than the atmosphere itself, according to FAO (UN FAO). This form of regenerative farming could offset up to 15% of global emissions while improving agricultural productivity, as highlighted by the Rodale Institute (Rodale Institute).

The Archduke’s philosophy does not reject technological innovation but integrates it thoughtfully. He supports it when it’s a meaningful complement to nature-based solutions. He is a fan of technologies like coal gasification with carbon capture (CCUS), which can capture up to 90% of CO₂ emissions from coal plants, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) (IEA). But even here, the focus should be on what’s already been perfected by nature over millions of years.

He says: “Let’s not forget that even with all the technology and investment, emissions continue to rise.” Indeed, in 2022, global renewable investments totalled $1.4 trillion, yet CO₂ emissions grew by 6% between 2019 and 2022 (IEA). Renewables, while essential, don’t provide the grid stability or energy storage solutions needed for consistent emissions reductions. The $500 billion in subsidies for renewables in 2022 still leaves us with an incomplete energy transition.

This is where “net reduction” shows its power. Instead of relying on complex technologies or offsets, nature offers us solutions that can be implemented today—solutions that deliver real, immediate results. The Archduke’s approach aligns with studies like those from Conservation International, which estimates that protecting existing forests could prevent 3 gigatons of CO₂ emissions annually (Conservation International).

Leaving Austria, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much of the global climate conversation has been swayed by high-tech solutions, often overlooking the simpler, yet incredibly effective actions nature gives us. Planting trees, restoring soils, and adopting regenerative farming don’t require groundbreaking inventions—they require individual and collective commitment. And that’s something we can all be part of.

Another prominent example of royalty championing environmental efforts is Prince Albert II of Monaco, whose tireless work in ocean conservation has earned global recognition. I had the opportunity to meet Prince Albert last year in Kuala Lumpur, where he shared his passion for the ocean and discussed his groundbreaking projects. Through the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco he has spearheaded numerous initiatives to protect marine ecosystems. Among his most notable accomplishments is the creation of marine protected areas covering over 2 million square kilometres worldwide. These areas safeguard biodiversity, promote sustainable fishing practices, and help mitigate the effects of climate change on marine life (Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation).

Prince Albert has also led efforts to combat ocean acidification, reduce plastic pollution, and protect vulnerable species such as Mediterranean bluefin tuna. His foundation’s “Monaco Explorations” program has brought together scientists, governments, and NGOs to study marine ecosystems and advocate for global policy changes.

Figures like Archduke Sandor and Prince Albert II exemplify how the role of royalty in the conservation movement can bring a unique combination of influence and vision that’s shaping the future of climate action. By using their platforms to highlight nature-based solutions, they’re showing that true leadership in the climate movement doesn’t always come with the latest tech or grand plans. Sometimes, it’s about listening to what the earth has been telling us all along.

Cristina Talacko

CEO - Coalition for Conservation Inc.  

www.coalitionforconservation.com.au

Krown Impact United Nations Manfred Hudjetz MBA Jacob Uhlenkott Caitlin Connors Albert II, Prince of Monaco