“Krone” interview – Kogler: “I understand the climate issue”

“crown”: Why is there such strong support from Vienna for the Greens’ top candidate (Carinthia) Olga Voglauer?
Werner Kogler: Because we want our commitment to climate protection and energy transition to be represented in the Carinthia state parliament or even directly in the state government. And it will come very close. Olga is a fighter, put everything together after the last elections and rebuilt the Carinthian Greens. That’s why she enjoys such great support from us.

Polls do not paint a good picture for the Carinthian Greens. What happens if you fail to withdraw again?
Yes, it may come very close, but there are still a few days to do everything possible to make the comeback a success. The goal is to withdraw, other questions only arise in the weeks after the election.

The Greens are calling for 150 wind turbines in Carinthia, although more than 55 percent of energy consumption in Carinthia consists of renewable energy. Does Carinthia need wind turbines, despite hydropower?
Tyrol and Vorarlberg could say the same, but there is a trend reversal everywhere. You have to look at how the potential is distributed. The potential of hydropower in Carinthia is already almost exhausted, with wind there is literally room for improvement. The point is not that there is a wind turbine everywhere, but there are certain areas that are particularly suitable for it. Where there’s a will, there’s a mill. Unfortunately, one must say – also in the direction of the governor: Carinthia is a complete laggard when it comes to wind and solar energy, although the conditions are very good.

In Carinthia there is a regulation that you are not allowed to see wind turbines – is that still current?
No, and there will be many mountains and hills that will not have a wind turbine, but some will. I don’t understand at all that you see chimneys, but no wind turbine. That’s retrograde to the square! Nonsensical regulations may not play a role in environmental impact assessments. So there is a change here. So that we can build wind turbines where it is responsible and sensible. That state governments bogged down in the last century can stop progress through such regulations – that’s over now!

citizen initiatives criticize that untouched nature must be destroyed for wind turbines – how does that work?
These initiatives are precisely taken into account by these environmental impact assessment procedures, which the Greens have fought for. Otherwise, these citizens’ initiatives would not have a chance to participate. Then it must be weighed. Pure visibility is not an argument – in many states people are now proud to see the wind turbines. Each pinwheel is also a Statue of Liberty. The alternative is that we continue to depend on dirty, toxic alternatives, especially Putin’s blood gas!

What is your position on the climate case brought by children and young people?
I think that initiatives aimed at strengthening climate protection are right. At best, there are similar initiatives at larger global players. Because we can only save the climate if everyone does their part. But Austria has made certain commitments and we must keep them. It is therefore good if this is also tested by the highest courts. I find both the motive and the result – namely a decision that provides direction for the future – useful. So I understand the climate thing. Incidentally, we also criticize the old climate protection law that is being attacked here. We Greens are fighting for an entirely new climate protection law. It is true that it is difficult. This is hard board drilling. So far we have pushed through many other laws that are important for climate protection, and we will succeed.

Do you feel addressed by the climate protests of the “last generation”?
It’s not just black or white here. Therefore two arguments: I think that motivation, drive and goal are correct and I share the fear that many things come too late. The Last Generation alarm is just as useful. The second argument is that the forms of action themselves should change again, because some of them irritate those who might be won over to the cause. In a democracy you need majorities, that’s why In the end, it’s important to take away more people than piss them off!

There will be a global climate strike on Friday: what do you have planned for that day?
As so often I am on the road in the federal states. I will be in Salzburg, where I will focus on the effects of climate change on winter sports, among other things.

The Greens of Carinthia will participate in the climate strike. Does that make sense if you’re in the federal government yourself?
Well, in Carinthia we are not in the state parliament. Carinthia is lagging behind in terms of climate protection. One of the few good things that happened in the last 10 years was an energy master plan from Rolf Holub. Other than that, not much happened, so joining the strike makes sense, yes. Of course we as the federal government are happy with any form of support, because majorities are also needed here. We would also like to speed up some things that the government partner and the opposition are against. The SPÖ is not in opposition in Carinthia, which explains why Carinthia is lagging behind.

Isn’t climate protection in business in times of multiple crises not a luxury problem? Can money not be used differently?
The main reason for the inflation is the aggressive war in Ukraine and fossil fuels. We have fossil inflation, which also drives up electricity prices. The more renewable energy we have, the cheaper electricity is. Investments in green energy pay for themselves very quickly. More climate protection is better for economic development and value creation in the region. Labeling climate protection as a luxury problem is a misconception: yes, climate protection needs investment, but we invest in the future and not in the past. In that respect, climate protection is a sensible economic project – you have to see the opportunities and many jobs. Climate protection costs money, but there is only one thing that costs more: no climate protection.

Many major sporting events don’t have a good climate footprint – support anyway?
Yes, especially if they become more sustainable. A lot of money will be allocated for the next World Ski Championships in Salzburg, as it will be a green event for long distances. I think things that people like – like sporting events – shouldn’t be banned. Life should also be fun. There are many ways to make large events more environmentally friendly. And you have to use it.