Climate protection needs action: Companies warn of cuts!

Climate protection needs action: Companies warn of cuts!

Wien, Österreich - The Double Budget 2025/2026 of the Austrian government has a clear focus on climate protection, but with sharp cuts in central support programs. The initiatives of the Business Allianz Klima, including Rewe Group, Takeda Austria and the VBV group, warn of economic and fiscal consequential damage if the need for the transformation is not recognized in good time. Allianz demands climate protection as an urgent growth lever and suggests, among other things, the introduction of a binding climate law, which should create legal and planning security. In addition, an industrial strategy for promoting technology clarity and resource efficiency is to be developed.

An expansion of renewable energies by accelerated approval procedures is also considered essential. In addition, companies are calling for financial incentives for future technologies such as e-mobility, green hydrogen production and heat pumps. At the same time, a reduction in climate -damaging subsidies is required to support the climate goals and relieve the budget. A total of 1.5 billion euros for sustainability projects are planned for the Rewe Group's investment program by 2027, while the VBV group is aiming for climate neutrality by 2050 and has already invested 345 million euros in green loans.

long -term climate goals of the EU

At European level, climate protection policy pursues the goal of reducing the effects of climate change and reducing environmental and climate-damaging activities. According to the Environmental Federal Agency , the greenhouse gas emissions in the EU amounted to around 3 million kilotons CO₂ equivalents. The distribution of these emissions shows that the energy sector for 26%, traffic for 22% and industry are also responsible for 22% of emissions. Particular attention is paid to the goals of the EU Green Deal, which was passed in December 2019 and pursues the endeavor to achieve climate neutrality by 2050

A central element is the EU climate law, which provides for legal anchoring greenhouse gas neutrality by 2050 and a reduction by 55% by 2030. The EU Commission has also proposed a goal for 2040 that demands reduction in GHG emissions by 90% compared to 1990. This effort is supported by the Repower EU measures package, the aim of which is to accelerate the transition to clean energy and to ensure the independence of Russian fossil fuels.

economic possibilities and challenges

The initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are part of the broader strategy that also brings innovative effects. Climate protection opens up new markets and attracts investments, which ultimately creates jobs. The Federal Government emphasizes that strengthening climate policy capacities and cooperation between different actors is a basic prerequisite for achieving these climate targets.