Gewessler: "Good path"

Austria’s emissions down by 6.5 percent

Austria's greenhouse gas emissions fell in 2023 (symbolic image).

(Bild: The Associated Press)

Greenhouse gas emissions in Austria fell by 6.5 percent in 2023 compared to 2022. This is according to the latest greenhouse gas inventory from the Federal Environment Agency (UBA). Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) spoke of a "good path" that the new government should not abandon.

The value of emissions in 2023 was around 68.6 million and therefore below 70 million tons for the first time. The decline is partly due to the one percent fall in gross domestic product (GDP), the persistently high prices for fossil fuels and the mild weather. The Federal Environment Agency stated that the majority was due to climate protection measures and the increased use of renewable energy.

"After decades of stagnation, we have put Austria on course for climate neutrality by 2040. The next government must not abandon this good path, otherwise our children will pay a high price for climate destruction," said Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens). Günther Lichtblau from the Federal Environment Agency added that climate protection was not only a must in order to avoid fines, but also an economic driver.

Here you can see a graphic showing how greenhouse gas emissions have developed.

Increase in waste management
There was a slight increase in emissions (one percent) in the waste management sector. Incineration contributed to this.

The reduction targets for the emissions trading sector are regulated at European level and are not included in the national climate targets, according to the Federal Environment Agency. Nevertheless, environmental NGOs appealed to the incoming government not to abandon the path it has taken. "Austria must systematically and permanently reduce its CO₂ emissions. This requires reforms that cover all areas: from saving energy and reducing environmentally harmful subsidies to protecting valuable nature. This is the only way to make Austria crisis-proof in the long term," said WWF climate spokesman Karl Schellmann.

"What (...) needs to be driven forward is the comprehensive expansion of public transport, a consistent move away from oil and gas - for example in heating systems - and an end to climate-damaging subsidies," said Jasmin Duregger from Greenpeace Austria in a press release.