Environmental protection organization calls for a clear path to climate neutrality in 2040
Vienna (OTS) – Today the federal government announced that the deadline for drawing up a National Energy and Climate Plan (NEKP), which expires on June 30, will not be met and that a delay of several months is to be expected. The environmental protection organization GLOBAL 2000 sees the federal government as having to finally provide clarity: “Clarity must now be created so that both the population and companies have clear orientation for their investment decisions. “There needs to be a concrete plan for Austria to achieve the EU climate goals and achieve climate neutrality in 2040. This plan is long overdue, considering that there are only a few years left to achieve the EU climate goals,” says Johannes Wahlmüller, Climate and Energy spokesman for GLOBAL 2000.
The gap to the climate target increases if negotiations on the Renewable Gas Act fail
In this context, the environmental protection organization GLOBAL 2000 points out the great pressure to act. By 2030, Austria must reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 48% compared to 2005. Even with additional measures announced by the government, only a 35% reduction can currently be expected. In addition, important announced measures such as the Renewable Heat Act have largely not been implemented. The negotiations on the Renewable Gas Act are now in danger of failing, which would make achieving the climate goals even more distant. The more measures are not taken, the larger the gap to the target becomes and with it the potential “fine payments”. The Ministry of Finance previously expected costs of up to 4.7 billion euros. These costs could now be significantly higher. The environmental protection organization therefore once again reminds all parties that are committed to climate protection and the energy transition of their responsibility: “It is not enough to commit to climate protection and the energy transition in Sunday speeches. We now need a quick resolution of the Renewable Gas Act and a clear climate roadmap for Austria so that the energy transition in Austria can finally be placed on a well-planned basis,” demands Wahlmüller.
Questions & Contact:
Johannes Wahlmüller, climate and energy spokesman GLOBAL 2000, 0699 14 2000 41, johannes.wahlmüller@global2000.at
Hannah Keller, press spokesperson GLOBAL 2000, 0699 14 2000 64, hannah.keller@global2000.at