Climate protection alarm: government program receives poor report!

Climate protection alarm: government program receives poor report!

The current climate check of the government program of the three-party coalition of ÖVP, SPÖ and Neos is mixed to poor. According to the WWF, of the 21 areas examined, 12 were rated as weak and incomplete and 7 as clearly negative. Potential progress was identified in only 2 areas. WWF climate spokesman Reinhard Uhrig criticizes the lack of concrete goals, schedules and budgets. This leads to climate-damaging gaps and contradictions in the coalition pact.

The publication of the report comes at a time when the EU is putting increasing pressure on its member states to achieve climate targets by 2030. According to the Federal Environment Agency, the EU is pursuing a comprehensive climate protection policy that is based on reducing activities that are harmful to the environment and the climate. International framework conditions such as the UN Framework Convention and the Paris Agreement are crucial.

Criticism and demands

The WWF calls for consistent climate protection measures for Austria as a business location and secure jobs. There is positive feedback for a new attempt at a climate protection law and maintaining the goal of becoming climate neutral by 2040. However, blind spots in energy saving and a delay in reducing environmentally harmful subsidies are criticized. Furthermore, the expansion of motorways and expressways is viewed as problematic.

The lack of clarity about the implementation of the EU goals by 2030 in the government program could result in a threatened compensation payment amounting to billions if there is no turnaround. In addition to a rapid reduction in harmful subsidies, WWF recommends, among other things, a climate-friendly renovation package for buildings and greater protection of biodiversity.

Comparison with Germany

In contrast to Austria, Germany brought a new climate protection law into force in July 2024. This aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2045. The federal government has strengthened the independent expert council for climate issues in order to be able to act more proactively and effectively in climate protection policy. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gases by 65% ​​by 2030 compared to 1990, which has already resulted in a decrease of over 10% in 2023.

As part of EU climate policy, member states are obliged to draw up national energy and climate protection plans. These should help to concretize emissions reductions and the promotion of renewable energies. The EU itself is aiming for greenhouse gas neutrality by 2050 and has adopted a growth strategy to achieve climate goals with the Green Deal.

In order to be successful in the long term, experts emphasize the need to create social acceptance for the energy transition. It remains to be seen how the Austrian government will respond to the current challenges and whether there will be a change in climate policy. The progress in Germany could serve as an incentive to take decisive measures in Austria too.