Despite positive approaches and measures already implemented (such as the Renewable Energy Expansion Act, the Klimaticket, or national CO2 pricing), the measures proposed in the NEKP are inadequate, as even with full implementation Austria's greenhouse gas budget would still be exceeded. The NEKP is also too vague in several areas and leaves too much open to ensure Austria makes a fair contribution to addressing global climate change.
Furthermore, some of the data used by the Environment Agency are not publicly accessible, which makes a comprehensive assessment difficult. Scientists from climate (impact) and transformation research have therefore expressed their views on the current draft of the national energy and climate plan (NEKP) in a joint statement. This was submitted to the BMK as part of the open NEKP consultation process.
"The updated version of the NEKP marks an important step in the right direction, but greater resolve is needed to rise to the challenges of climate change", emphasises one of the lead authors of the statement, Univ. Prof. Karl Steininger. "It's essential that the plan becomes more specific in many areas and includes more far-reaching measures in order to make a fair contribution to global climate protection and secure a liveable future for generations to come."
Read the press release and the press reports here!
