Nina Abrahamczik, chair of the Committee on Climate, Environment, Democracy and Personnel, draws a clear record of five years of progress coalition in Vienna for today’s municipal council meeting on the subject of climate protection: “We consistently continue in Vienna – for real, social climate protection, which works. For us, climate protection is not a show stage, but daily work. And: He is a promise to the next generations.”
Climate law as a milestone: Vienna has legally anchored climate protection for the first time
“With the Vienna Climate Act, we have written history: As the first federal state in Austria, we are anchoring climate protection, climate adjustment and circular economy. We make it clear: Climate protection is not dependent on a daily political mood in Vienna – but bindingly, planned and legally regulated,” said Abrahamczik.
The law is based on strategies such as the Viennese climate schedule, the climate city framework strategy, the Vienna heat plan and the climate budget-and now secures them in the long term. She adds: “With the mandatory climate back, we ensure that no decision will be made in the future without climate consequences-whether for construction projects or legislative initiatives.”
Successes that work: -11 % CO₂ emissions, around 500,000 m² new green areas, 25,000 new trees
“Vienna has shown that climate protection delivers measurable results,” emphasizes Abrahamczik. Have been: since 2020:
– The energy consumption per capita reduced by 33 %,
– Created over 500,000 m² of new or climatic -right -wing green areas,
– planted 25,000 new trees,
– Over 320 greening and cooling projects as part of the climate pattern funding under the motto “Rise out of the asphalt”, realized,
– The CO₂ emissions were reduced by 11 % in 2023- twice as much as in the national average,
– 74,000 m² of roads and places sealed and green – more space for nature, more space for people, more space for quality of life.
“This is a visible climate protection right on the front doors of the Viennese – in parks, on squares, in every Grätzl,” says Abrahamczik.
Mobility transition in Viennese: affordable, climate -friendly, for everyone
“Vienna is investing in a targeted manner in climate matters. The largest public expansion of all times-for example with the new U2xu5 connection-brings 300 million additional journeys annually. Over 129 million euros were invested in the expansion of the cycle path network, around 100 kilometers of new cycling infrastructure were created. And all without populist restrictions, but with social fairness and consideration of all mobility forms,” emphasizes Abrahamczik.
“The 365 euro ticket has remained unchanged for over twelve years. This is lived social climate policy-affordable mobility for two million Viennese,” said Abrahamczik.
Warmth of the future: geothermal energy instead of gas
With the drilling start of the first deep geothermal system in Aspern, a new chapter for district heating was opened. “From 2028 we will supply around 20,000 households with emission -free warmth – clean, locally and independent,” said Abrahamczik. The project is part of the 2040 heat plan – the strategic lead document for decarbonizing the heat supply in Vienna.
At the same time, the successful program “Raus out of gas”, which now includes over 100 projects – and is further expanded to over 200 projects. “The end of oil and gas heating in the new building has long been a reality in Vienna,” explains Abrahamczik.
Sunstream offensive: PV performance in three years
“In 2020 Vienna had 50 Megawattpeak solar power – today there are over 250. We supply 72,000 households with a clean solar power. And that is only the beginning: we want to come to 800 megawatt peak by 2030,” explains Abrahamczik.
Even after the nationwide tax exemption has expired, Vienna sticks to the funding- with 15 million euros for 2025. This shows that Vienna does not leave people alone- Vienna promotes, invests and expands climate-friendly electricity and heat supply.
Climate jobs and social perspectives: climate protection creates work
Vienna combines ecology with social justice: Programs such as “eco-booster”, “Jobs plus training” and targeted qualification measures in technology and sustainability are created new career paths. “We offer real training and professional opportunities in the climate area for all Viennese, especially for young people, women and people with a history of migration,” said Abrahamczik.
Outlook: circular economy and biodiversity in the center
2025 is all about the circular economy: The Viennese repair bon is reissued, a comprehensive strategy for resource conservation and reuse is in the works. At the same time, new nature conservation areas such as the “Park of Biodiversity” are being built in the Donaustadt. “Vienna becomes greener, more species and preserves what wears us – our environment.”
“Vienna remains on climate course – with responsibility and cohesion”
“We in Vienna do not rest on successes. Together with two million Viennese, we are working every day to make our city future and climate. (Conclusion) SH