Traffic emits half of the greenhouse gases in Burgenland - need for action!

Traffic emits half of the greenhouse gases in Burgenland - need for action!

Current knowledge from an analysis of the Austria (VCÖ) traffic club (VCÖ) show that traffic in Burgenland is responsible for a considerable amount of greenhouse gases. In 2022, emissions amounted to an alarming 839,000 tons, which is estimated to be half of the entire greenhouse gas emissions in the region. This statistics illustrate the central role of the traffic sector in the efforts of a more sustainable lifestyle.

Compared to other sources for greenhouse gases, such as industry or agriculture, traffic is by far: its emissions exceeds every other sector many times over. This illustrates the urgency with which measures have to be taken to further reduce emissions in this sector. A remarkable aspect is that despite a decline in traffic emissions by 117,000 tons since 2019, the situation has not really gotten better in recent decades.

emission development since 1990

A retrospective consideration shows that emissions in the traffic sector have increased by a total of 329,000 tons since 1990. In the same period of time, however, the building sector was able to reduce its emissions by 43 percent due to successful climate protection measures. "We can also create what has succeeded in the building sector in the traffic sector," emphasizes VCÖ expert Michael Schwendinger and at the same time shows possible solutions. While the building sector has made significant progress, the traffic is therefore far behind and urgently needs reforms.

The challenge remains to reduce the truck transit, which, according to Schwendinger, also includes the responsibility of future governments and the EU Commission. Measures must be taken to contain the environmental traffic and to improve Burgenland's climate balance.

Furthermore, the per capita emission, which measures the individual emissions of greenhouse gases, has also reduced since 2005. From 3,415 kilograms per person, this number has now dropped to 2,785 kilograms. This positive development is a step in the right direction, but at the same time shows that there is still a lot of potential for further reduction.