CO2 emissions have been the same since 1990 and the old climate protection law expired in 2020. The “Restart” petition is therefore now calling for a law with clear goals. Join us here!
According to Karl Schellmann of the WWF, this is the right goal to contribute to the global management of the climate crisis. But for that to work, a new climate protection law needs to come into effect as soon as possible.
In 2021, about 77.5 million tons of CO2 will be emitted in Austria. Energy and industry were the largest sector with 37 percent. Traffic comes second with 27.8 percent. Greenhouse gas emissions have not decreased in Austria since 1990 – we have been at the same level for 30 years. The old climate protection law expired in 2020 – without a new law, precise targets cannot be defined and therefore cannot be legally demanded.
“Without a climate protection law, we fly blind. We have no purpose, no responsibilities, no control. There is no way for citizens to take action against inactivity,” says Christian Kdolsky of the climate referendum. It is therefore important to adopt a binding climate protection law as soon as possible. According to Kdolsky, this should set the target framework for successful climate policy and define goals, responsibilities and control.
Legal protection for citizens when targets are not achieved
The “Restart” initiative calls for swift implementation of the law. This should establish a greenhouse gas budget that is compatible with the 1.5 degree target. It should also include reduction paths for economic sectors and states and clarify responsibilities between federal and state governments. If the targets are missed, immediate countermeasures are required.
A scientific committee must also monitor compliance with the objectives and advise the government on this. In addition, legal protection for citizens is needed, so that they can sue the government for complying with the climate goals, says Kdolsky. This is the only way Austria can become climate neutral by 2040.
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
