Climate change in Austria

The Austrian economy is expected to be significantly affected by the effects of climate change, leading to costs of 4.2 to 5.2 billion Euros per year by the middle of the century.

More frequent and intense weather events cause increasing costs for reconstruction and maintenance of infrastructure, fewer days with snow lead to a decline of overnight tourists in the winter, and a higher number of heat related health issues challenge the Austrian healthcare system.

According to Austria's national energy and climate strategy to reach the demands of the Paris Agreement, the country has planned a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of 36% by 2030 in relation to 2005 levels.

[3] Austria has historically emitted 5.51 billion tons of CO2 as a result of burning of fossil fuels and cement production, contributing to a share of 0.32% of cumulative global CO2 emissions.

In accordance with its goal to be carbon neutral in 2040, Austria is working to be completely dependent on renewable energy sources by 2030 – in 2018 this share had already been 77%.

[6] Measures contained in Austria's National Energy and Climate Plan to achieve the energy targets include an end of oil and coal heating in buildings, a prohibition of heating new buildings with natural gas, a large increase in the target for photovoltaic installations and extending carbon pricing to more sectors.

Fuel export is an issue as well, as due to the relatively low prices compared to neighbouring countries, people cross the borders to refuel their cars in Austria.

[9] Listed below is an overview of the ten largest emitters of CO2 equivalents registered in Austria in the European Union Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS).

136 bodies of groundwater can be found in Austria, and in 2014 three of them were assessed to be in a bad chemical status, due to high nitrate concentrations.

[25] Higher temperatures will lead to plant transpiration beginning earlier and end later, meaning a lengthening of the growing season.

In a climate study by WWF Austria, conditions for spruces in the areas around Mühlviertel and Waldviertel would deteriorate due to expected precipitation decreases and drought stress.

According to WWF areas around Styria, southern Burgenland in east Austria and the Donau region would also be especially vulnerable to heating.

[27] Climate change result in many forest ecosystems experiencing stress due to less precipitation and/or increased temperatures.

[2] On average, potential crop yields are expected to grow due to climate change, caused by higher temperatures and increased CO2 availability for plants.

In the west of Austria, where precipitation rates are high, conditions will become more favourable, whereas in the drier there will be a higher risks of crop losses east because of less rainfall and an increase in dry periods.

The environmental situation of agriculture is assessed to be good with a high proportion of organic farms, but the participation in Agri-environmental measures are limited, both due to the natural climatic conditions and the willingness of farmers.

[32] Although summer tourism could profit from climate change due to warmer temperatures and less rain, the negative impacts of reduced numbers of tourists in winter predominate.

[32] Floodings, washout, landslides and mudflows induced by heavy precipitation are causing serious damage to the Austrian road network and cost the state 18 million Euros in 2014.

Extreme weather events are hard to predict, and the effect of climate change makes that even more difficult, but different approaches to estimate the monetary damages of floods in Austria all expect them to rise.

[34] People in Austria will be exposed to increased heat stress due to climate change, with the growing elderly population being the most vulnerable.

With moderate climate change and vulnerability, the number of heat related deaths is expected to reach on average 1060 per year in the 2036-2065 period.

The current main strategy is to raise awareness at all levels, as well as to build precautionary infrastructure due to the expected frequency of extreme weather events.

It is about thinking about and taking action on climate change when booking, when travelling, when choosing accommodation, gastronomy, product development, but also in operational renewal measures, etc.

It is the first legally binding agreement at the global level that contains commitments for all signatory states regarding climate protection actions.

The remaining emissions will be reduced by carbon capture in natural sinks (forests, soils) and by permanent sequestration in products or technical storage.

In addition, the complete dismantling of climate-damaging subsidies, a nationwide supply of climate-friendly mobility, as well as guaranteed financing of the energy transition.

The purpose of it is to support politics and the economy against the challenges of climate change by providing a scientific basis and develop countermeasures.

StartClim is designed as a flexible instrument to be able to quickly take up current topics in the field of climate change.

It is an initiative of "Klimabündnis Oberösterreich" (translated: Climate Alliance Upper Austria) and shows a scientifically based, graphic story of what a climate-friendly future could look like.

It is based on numerous interviews with Austrian climate pioneers and scientists, and was created to make possible change experienceable and tangible.