New survey by the KONTEXT Institute shows: majority in favour of reforming environmentally harmful subsidies and against cuts to environmental funding 

FPÖ and ÖVP are looking to save nearly three billion euros in the climate sector in 2025. This threatens significant setbacks in reducing Austrian greenhouse gas emissions. However, the same volume of savings can be achieved while simultaneously reducing emissions, as a calculation by the KONTEXT Institute for Climate Issues shows. A current representative survey also reveals that the majority of Austrians reject cuts to environmental funding and support a reform of environmentally harmful subsidies. 

Against cuts to environmental funding

FPÖ and ÖVP are planning to cut environmental subsidies, such as those for heating system replacements, by 20 per cent. More than three quarters (76.9 per cent) of those surveyed, however, want environmental subsidies for switching to sustainable heating systems to be maintained, in order to make the transition easier for individuals and businesses. 63.2 per cent say that making the switch is a personal concern for them.

57.5 per cent also want subsidies for electric cars to be kept. This stands in contrast to the plans of those negotiating the coalition, who want to cut subsidies for all forms of electric mobility and introduce an engine-related insurance tax for electric vehicles.

"The greening of the economy creates prosperity and local jobs. The cuts to environmental funding in particular are delaying the positive effects on the economy. If the next government were instead to reform environmentally harmful subsidies in the transport sector, it could achieve similarly high savings, whilst simultaneously boosting the economy and making a contribution to climate protection," says KONTEXT board member Katharina Rogenhofer…

Find out more at kontext-institut.at