The 2023 greenhouse gas balance shows a positive trend: emissions in Austria dropped by 6.5 per cent compared to the previous year, according to the latest inventory from the Umweltbundesamt (UBA). Overall, total emissions in 2023 stood at around 68.6 million tonnes, falling below 70 million tonnes for the first time.

Part of the decline was due to economic factors: gross domestic product (GDP) fell by one per cent in 2023 compared to 2022. This was compounded by persistently high fossil energy prices and the mild weather in 2023 (3.1 per cent fewer heating degree days than in 2022).

However, the bulk of the emissions reduction is attributable to climate protection measures and the increased use of renewable energy. This is shown both by calculations from the Umweltbundesamt and by a corresponding analysis from the Graz Wegener Center for Climate and Global Change.

Gewessler: Don't abandon the "right path"

"After decades of stagnation, we have put Austria on course for climate neutrality by 2040. The next government must not abandon this right path, otherwise our children will pay a heavy price for climate destruction," said Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens). Climate protection is not only a must to avoid penalty payments, but also an economic driver, noted Günther Lichtblau, climate expert at the Umweltbundesamt.

Read the article at: orf.at