NGOs Demand More Consistent Climate Protection and Better Adaptation to Climate Impacts from Austrian Government

Global 2000's Core Demands

Other NGOs have joined the appeal. They see a particular need to catch up with regard to the budgeting of the so-called measures budget as well as the multi-billion budget for climate-relevant investments. The organizations argue that without sufficient funding, neither the expansion of renewable energies nor protective measures against flooding and heat can be implemented to the necessary extent.

The addressees of the demands are the federal government and, in particular, the ministry responsible for climate policy under Climate Minister Totschnig. The NGOs expect that the steps announced in the work programme will be fleshed out and given binding timelines. They are also insisting on transparent reporting on which funds actually flow into climate protection and climate adaptation.

Investments in Renewable Energies and Efficiency

In terms of content, the NGOs consider it beyond question that emissions reductions in the energy, transport, industry, and buildings sectors must be a priority. According to them, investments in thermal insulation, the expansion of photovoltaics, and local public transport are effective both in climate and in employment policy terms.

At the same time, the organizations are calling for better structuring of disaster management. In view of increasing weather extremes, early warning systems, protective infrastructure along rivers, and heat action plans must be expanded. The costs of doing so are lower than the damage that would occur without precautionary measures.

Addressees and Political Context

Political observers close to the matter see the initiative as a signal to the government to set clear priorities in the upcoming budget negotiations. Which concrete steps the coalition of ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS decides on in the coming weeks is regarded as a litmus test for the degree of seriousness of climate policy. The ball, according to the NGOs, is in the court of Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker and his cabinet.

For the affected population, according to the NGOs, this is about more than symbolic politics. Rising temperatures, more frequent flooding, and longer dry spells particularly affect older people, low-income families, and agriculture. A forward-looking climate policy must therefore cushion social hardships and fund regional adaptation measures.