WWF criticizes political failures in climate protection

The environmental protection organization WWF Austria assesses the result of the world climate conference COP29 as a “grossly negligent political failure”. Although there is an agreement on climate protection financing, it is far too weak and cannot hide the many gaps in the final text. “The result is a declaration of political bankruptcy. Even in the hottest year since records began, the fossil fuel states were able to prevent important progress and water down the resolutions,” says WWF climate spokesman Reinhard Uhrig, who followed the negotiations. For future negotiations, the WWF is particularly calling for binding exit plans from coal, oil and gas to be anchored.

The conference presidency from the oil country Azerbaijan played a particularly negative role, supported by fossil fuels and the lack of ambition of many industrialized countries. “It has been clear for months that this COP is primarily about financial support for poorer countries to curb global warming. “Nevertheless, the rich countries arrived poorly prepared and were unable to do much to counter Saudi Arabia, for example, whose delegation cut a path of destruction through all negotiations like a wrecking ball,” analyzes WWF expert Reinhard Uhrig. For example, the phase-out of fossil fuels agreed last year was questioned several times. This makes the World Climate Conference in Brazil all the more important, at which all countries must present their climate targets for 2035.

National homework
In light of the global failures, the WWF is calling on the future federal government to include a strong climate protection chapter in the future government program so that Austria becomes more independent of fossil imports. “Any new government coalition must advocate strong EU climate targets and accelerate the national phase-out of fossil fuels. This requires a consistent, nature-friendly energy transition,” says WWF expert Reinhard Uhrig. The promised climate neutrality by 2040 requires a comprehensive approach. “Austria wastes billions on environmentally harmful subsidies and has far too high energy and land consumption, while important nature conservation is politically neglected,” Uhrig points out several unresolved problem areas.