Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler and Minister of Climate Protection Leonore Gewessler presented the “APCC Special Report on Land Use and Climate Change in Austria” on Tuesday morning. “If too much concrete is poured, the future and opportunities are lost,” said Kogler, summarizing the 530-page report. Gewessler emphasized that healthy soil is not only essential for the functioning of agriculture, but also for adaptation to the climate crisis.
The two Green politicians found clear words during the presentation. Healthy soils are becoming rare, the vice-chancellor said: “This resource is becoming increasingly scarce, and at a breathtaking pace.” “If we continue as we are doing now, healthy soils for future generations would be jeopardized.”
Kogler: “Don’t believe everything you hear”
Despite the great importance of the subject, Kogler criticized “countermovements by the states” and cited Upper Austria as an example. You shouldn’t “believe everything you hear,” he said, vice chancellor. It will still be possible to implement new projects such as kindergartens. “We will of course continue to use space, but the ‘how’ is the question,” Kogler explains.
Vice Chancellor prepares for “long battle”.
He pointed out the other aspects that a healthy soil entails. They serve to protect against flooding and biodiversity and would make an important contribution to climate protection because more CO2 would be captured in them. “We already have allies in states and communities, but it will be a long fight,” Kogler said. However, he promised not to give up on the issue. “Now something else can happen, now we can make amends.”
Goal: soil consumption of 2.5 hectares/day instead of the previous 12 hectares
“The function of healthy soils shows that every decision about how we use soil has an impact on climate protection,” said the Minister of Climate Protection, describing the severity of the situation. “Fruit doesn’t grow in a parking lot,” she noted. In Austria, twelve hectares are used per day, which is equivalent to sixteen football fields. “We cannot ignore this problem,” Gewessler called for clear strategies. The government aims to reduce land consumption to 2.5 hectares per day.
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.