Austria

Austria ranks 35th in the CCPI. The country receives a low rating in GHG Emissions and Climate Policy, medium in Renewable Energy, and very low in Energy Use.

The CCPI country experts mention that trends in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction in recent years have been positive, mainly owing to policies based on subsidies for switches involving heating, electric vehicles, and other areas. However, they raise concern that the new federal government is backsliding in all climate policy aspects. Austria is in favour of international carbon credits, thereby undermining the EU 2040 target. Budget has been restrained for renewable energy expansion.

Climate-damaging subsidies for fossil fuels were increased under the new government. The climate bonus introduced to compensate for CO2 taxation also has been abolished, which the experts criticise as effectively equivalent to a tax increase and significantly reducing acceptance of CO2 taxation. Vital financial compensation for low-income households has, thus, also been abolished.

Renewables expansion and public transport show gains, while future is unclear and national policy is needed

In contrast, at the state level, renewable energy expansion has, in part, been working well. The experts judge that early involvement of the population and key environmental organisations was the key aspect of success. The experts look favourably on the KlimaTicket (climate ticket), which encourages public transport use. However, they mention major gaps in public transportation infrastructure in rural areas.

The experts criticise the government for not recognising the technological future of electric mobility and continual concern placed on consumers and producers with terms such as ‘technological openness,’ which is causing a very slow phase-out of combustion engines.

New fossil fuel expansion projects are ongoing. In 2024, test gas drilling was approved and carried out, in one instance on the edge of a national park. There is no policy or commitment in place to end fossil fuel exploration and production in the country.

The experts urge the new government to return to ambitious and sincere climate policies. They also want the government to establish specific laws to end fossil fuel exploration, along with a strong national climate law.

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, Marc Dengler & Noah Nockher (Greenpeace in Zentral- und Osteuropa)