Government postpones climate funding, FPÖ criticizes slow reforms!

Government postpones climate funding, FPÖ criticizes slow reforms!

The discussion about the reform of energy and climate subsidies in Austria is increasingly moving into the public eye. According to the latest information from OTS The so-called “loser traffic light” is planning an extensive reform, but rapid implementation is not in sight. An independent institute should evaluate the current situation by summer before the government takes concrete steps to reform the funding structure.

FPÖ General Secretary Michael Schnedlitz harshly criticizes the government and criticizes the slow progress in this matter. He believes it is absolutely necessary to reduce the money from the climate and energy fund in order to offer industry and farmers a realistic perspective. “The subsidies should be clarified by the summer,” adds Schnedlitz, who also expresses concerns about the EU climate targets and their impact on private property and agriculture. At the same time, he emphasizes the FPÖ's stance of supporting agriculture and environmental protection with common sense.

Background to climate policy

The framework for Austrian climate policy is determined in particular by international obligations, such as the Paris Agreement, which came into force in 2016. This agreement aims to limit global temperature increases to below 2 degrees Celsius, with efforts being made to achieve the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The EU has also set itself the goal of zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, while Austria aims to reduce its emissions by 48 percent by 2030 compared to 2005 levels, particularly in sectors not covered by EU emissions trading.

The need for rapid action is underpinned by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which warns of the serious consequences of a temperature rise of more than 1.5 degrees Celsius. The effects of climate change are also noticeable in Austria. Since 1980, the temperature has increased by almost 2 degrees Celsius, leading to an increase in hot days and changes in precipitation.

Adaptation strategies

Austria follows a “two-pillar principle” in its climate policy. This includes both climate protection and adaptation to the consequences of climate change. The Austrian adaptation strategy was updated in 2012 and 2017 in an effort to avoid adverse impacts of climate change while taking advantage of opportunities. A central aspect of this strategy is to compensate for irreducible emissions through carbon storage.

Overall, the pressure on the government will increase to push ahead with its plans to reform energy and climate subsidies. This is important not only in the interests of industry and agriculture, but also in order to comply with national and international climate goals, especially in the context of the Green Deal and the European Climate Law.