Only one third of Austria’s area is populated. However, much of the other two-thirds cannot be used. As a result, voices are now once again calling for a massive reduction in land use.
The uninhabited space is mountains and forests. Almost half (44.6 percent) of Austria’s territory is covered with forest, another 30 percent is used for agriculture. 16.5 percent is in the mountains above the tree line, examples are mountain meadows, debris fields and glaciers. But Austria has more vineyards than mountains permanently covered with snow and ice. Rivers and lakes, on the other hand, make up an area nearly four times the size of Vienna, according to data from the Federal Office of Calibration and Surveying.
The government wants to reduce land use
At the end of 2022, only four percent of the total area consisted of buildings, gardens and business premises and even less (2.5 percent) of streets, railway lines and parking spaces. The government wants to limit the growth of these areas to 2.5 hectares per day by 2030. This means that only slightly more than nine square kilometers can be built on annually. Last year that was still 43.7 square kilometers. It is unclear how the government intends to achieve its goal, as there is no corresponding law to date.
If it is up to the experts, the goal will ‘certainly’ not be achieved either. In May, 175 scientists called for more protection of Austrian soil in an open letter to Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig (ÖVP) and other responsible persons. Totschnig had previously questioned the defined target again and he plans to present a new strategy soon.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
