Abstract (eng)
In face of the current socio-ecological crisis, the Austrian school subject of “Geographie und Wirtschaftskunde“ (Geography and Economics) plays a particularly important role in teaching global and economically complex relations. The recently introduced „Basiskonzepte“ (basic concepts) of the new upper school curriculum can be regarded as a promising approach to treat the complexity of global issues in a manner that is comprehensible and manageable for students. Three selected examples of these basic concepts will constitute the basis for covering the socio-ecological crisis in class, following the concept of the „Imperiale Lebensweise“ (Imperial Mode of Living) from BRAND, U. & WISSEN, M. (2017). Firstly, the concept aims to point out the social and ecological consequences of everyday economic behaviour. Secondly, it tries to explain and visualize the interdependencies between everyday habits, political institutions and economic structures. And thirdly, it offers a starting point to develop ideas for a responsible and sustainable way of living. Finally, the author develops a lesson plan concerning the deforestation of the Brazilian Rainforest which shows the potential of the concept of the “Imperial Mode of Living“ for the implementation of the selected basic concepts.