The urgently needed reduction of greenhouse gases in Austria still requires action in this country. As shown by current figures from the Federal Environment Agency, emissions in 2021 increased by 4.9 percent compared to the previous year. The Ministry of the Environment spoke of an “expected” increase, Minister of Climate Leonore Gewessler (Greens) already saw “first effects” of the measures taken.
One of the main reasons is the renewed strength of the Austrian economy after the 2020 pandemic year. In absolute figures, 77.5 million tons of CO2 were emitted in Austria in 2021, 3.6 million tons more than in 2020. Compared to the pre-pandemic year 2019, 2021 was just under – with 1.9 million tons.
For 2022, however, the Federal Environmental Agency assumes a significant decrease of five percent compared to 2021. Compared to the pre-crisis year 2019, this means an emission reduction of 7.9 percent.
Gewessler: “We’re not there yet”
“The expected end of the pandemic effect on greenhouse gas emissions has now finally been confirmed,” said Gewessler. “A lot has already been set in motion, our many climate protection measures against the stagnation of the last decades are already showing an initial effect. But one thing is absolutely clear: we have not yet reached our goal. More initiatives are needed, especially for a climate-friendly future for climate protection.”
More than 750 days without climate protection law
The development of emissions is a cause for concern for Greenpeace. Austria is still a long way from the goal of being climate neutral by 2040, according to the environmental protection organization. The federal government must implement the long-awaited climate protection law, which has now been suspended for more than 750 days. Greenpeace is also calling for an ambitious national energy and climate plan (NEKP) this year.
WWF Austria is also calling for the adoption of a large-scale climate and nature conservation programme. “Fundamental reforms are needed that cover all areas: from energy conservation to better protection of valuable nature,” said WWF climate spokesman Thomas Zehetner. Reaching the EU targets for 2030 and climate neutrality in 2040 will require significantly increased efforts across all sectors.
Gewessler: “The trend should be much more downward”
According to the latest report, emissions in the transportation sector have increased by 4.2 percent or 0.9 million tons compared to 2020 due to higher fuel sales. At the same time, as predicted in the NowCast (a statistical forecasting method, note) from August 2022, there is a clear positive change in traffic compared to the time before the pandemic.
According to the Federal Environment Agency, emissions in 2021 fell by ten percent or by 2.4 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent compared to 2019. We are on the right track with the “child traffic problem”, but not there yet, according to Gewessler. “The current trend should be much further down.”
A speed reduction on the motorways could work very quickly and effectively. For example, the German Federal Environmental Agency corrected its information on the effectiveness of such a measure: it could even save twice as much as originally thought. For Germany, a speed limit would even save up to 6.7 million tons of CO2.
Energy and industry particularly harmful to the climate
The largest emitter of greenhouse gases in 2021 was still the energy and industry sector, in this sector some 34.5 million tons of CO2 equivalent was emitted in 2021, compared to 2020 by two million tons or 6.3 percent more. Emissions from industrial activities rose 9.3 percent, or 1.8 million tons, “primarily due to higher steel and pig iron production and higher production in the cement and refractories industries.”
Emissions from energy companies fell by 1.4 percent or 0.1 million tonnes, mainly due to the closure of the last Austrian coal-fired power station in 2020.
Cold days led to more emissions
Gewessler pointed to the reliance on oil and gas in domestic industrial and power production. “Therefore, by 2030, we will cover our electricity needs 100 percent from wind, solar, water and biomass and also switch our heating supply in Austria to climate-friendly alternatives,” announced the environment minister.
Due to the increase in the number of degree days for heating by 12.5 percent compared to 2020, greenhouse gas emissions in this area also increased by 12.6 percent to 9.1 million tonnes. In the agricultural sector, emissions in 2021 remained virtually at the same level as in 2020, with approximately 8.2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
