Reform of energy and climate promotions: government remains idle!

Reform of energy and climate promotions: government remains idle!

The Austrian federal government is increasingly faced with criticism not to implement its reforms in the field of energy and climate funding promptly. According to reports from

FPÖ general secretary Michael Schledlitz has sharply criticized the slow progress of the government. He points out that the industrial strategy will take advantage of the funding until summer by the end of the year and the changes in the funding. Schledlitz also calls for a reduction in the funds of the climate and energy fund and expresses concerns about the European climate goals, which in his opinion could have negative effects on private property and agriculture. He emphasizes that the FPÖ still wants to support the interests of farmers and environmental protection with common sense.

In the context of these national discussions, it is important to consider the goals of Paris International Agreement and the EU climate policy. The agreement that came into force in 2016 is the first legally binding framework to combat the climate crisis and obliges all states to take measures. The long -term goal is a limitation of the global temperature increase to less than 2 degrees Celsius, with additional efforts to achieve 1.5 degrees Celsius. In addition to reinforcing the ability of the countries, the EU has undertaken to deal with the effects of climate change, in accordance with the requirements of Austrian Government .

For Austria, this means that by 2030, emissions in sectors outside the EU emission trade system have to be reduced by at least 48 percent compared to 2005. The 2011 Climate Protection Act determines the national legal framework for compliance with these emissions quantities, whereby the government has sought in the 2020-2024 climate neutrality by 2040.

climate change and adaptation strategies in Austria

Austria has struggled by almost 2 degrees Celsius since 1980, which is also evident in an increase in heat days and changed precipitation patterns. The snow cover has decreased by about 42 days. These developments make it necessary for Austria to pursue a “two-pillar principle” in climate policy, which includes climate protection and adjustments to the consequences of climate change.

In order to counter the challenges of climate change, the Austrian strategy for adapting to climate change has already learned several revisions. The EU Commission has also presented new adaptation strategies as part of the Green Deal. The second progress report on the adaptation strategy was published in 2021, while a new updated strategy for 2024 has been announced.

In this complex structure of climate policy and reform needs, it remains to be seen how the government will react to the demands and the urgency of the climate issues. The debate about the reform of energy and climate funding in Austria is only at the beginning.