Austria

At 23rd in this year’s CCPI, Austria is up nine places, but still an overall medium performer. It receives a medium rating in GHG Emissions, Renewable Energy, and Climate Policy, and very low in Energy Use.

In recent years, Austria has implemented measures in the non-energy sector. There are subsidies for heating system changes in buildings and the parliament decided to ban the installation of gas heating systems in new buildings. In transportation, the Climate Ticket (nationwide public transportation ticket) has been successful, with more than 300,000 tickets sold this past year. The country is trying to improve its public transport and has subsidies for electric vehicles.

Binding Fossil Fuel Phase-Out Dates Are Needed

There is no binding date for a fossil fuel phase-out and no date to phase out oil and gas heating systems in old buildings – concrete action points that the CCPI country experts suggest. In 2011, the Climate Change Act was implemented to set emissions targets for individual sectors in Austria. The law only had binding emissions reduction targets until 2020. Since then, Austria has lacked sector-specific GHG targets. The experts demand filling of this gap and updating the law.

The experts also warn that some of the progressive climate policies could be reversed following installation of a new government after the 29 September national elections.

In international climate politics, Austria takes progressive positions against nuclear power and for renewable energy.

The experts criticise Austria’s continued dependence on Russian gas and high fossil fuel subsidies.

Key Outcomes

CCPI Experts

The following national experts agreed to be mentioned as contributors for this year’s CCPI:

• Johannes Wahlmüller (GLOBAL 2000)
• Jasmin Duregger (Greenpeace Austria)