Climate Change

Austrian Research Center Stresses Too Little Attention to Conflict Countries at COP27

The Austrian Centre for Peace research center calls for stronger cooperation as a solution for climate protection and peace. ACP emphasizes that at the COP27 (UN Climate Change Conference) the impact of the climate crisis in conflict countries was only touched upon marginally, although the pressure of the climate crisis on such countries is the highest.

November 22, 2022

Weekly Briefing: News From Austria's Diplomacy

The Find out more about this week's developments. Austria is making an effort to combat the climate crisis. Austria's foreign policy awards prizes in the arts, culture and science. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.

November 17, 2022

Vienna Plants First "Mini Forest" in the City Area

More green in a densely built-up area as a climate-friendly recreational oasis for people and animals is what every city needs. With the "Wiener Wäldchen", a pilot project is being launched in Stefan Weber Park on the border between the 5th and 12th districts, a "mini forest" in the urban area.

November 17, 2022

Vienna Plans to Build its First Geothermal Plant by 2026

A geothermal plant, Vienna's first, is to supply 20,000 households with emission-free district heating. Wien Energie wants to set a milestone toward a climate-neutral city by 2026. An important milestone on the path to a climate-neutral major city is the use of deep geothermal energy. Wien Energie has now presented the concrete plans for this at a press conference with Peter Hanke, City Councillor for Economic Affairs.

November 14, 2022

WWF Austria Demands Climate Conference 2026 in Vienna

The World Climate Conference in Sharm el-Sheikh is being held these weeks. Meanwhile, the environmental protection organization World Wide Fund For Nature is calling on the Austrian federal government to apply for a "Vienna Climate Conference 2026".

November 13, 2022

Space Diplomacy: UNOOSA and United Kingdom on Global Space-Related Climate Action Efforts

With the support of the UK Space Agency, the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs has published a report on the use of space technology to support climate action. At the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27), the report was released to coincide with Earth Information Day. It aims to improve understanding of how selected stakeholders are utilizing space technology.

November 11, 2022

Weekly Briefing: Fight Against Climate Crisis

The Find out more about this week's developments. At the World Climate Conference in Sharm El-Sheik, Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen advocates climate justice. The Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency is also trying to counter the climate crisis at the COP27 summit with its knowledge of nuclear technology and nuclear energy. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.

November 10, 2022

IAEA at the UN Climate Summit in Egypt

The Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency is also well-represented at the World Climate Change Conference in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Between the energy crisis and climate targets, nuclear energy is regaining importance in several countries, and for the agency, the task is to convince.

November 10, 2022

Austrian President Van der Bellen at the UN Climate Summit in Egypt

Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen is going into the COP27 world climate conference with mixed feelings. Given the insufficient or inadequately implemented results of previous climate summits, optimism is "not easy - but necessary," said Alexander Van der Bellen at the conference venue in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

November 7, 2022

Vienna Gets 70 Zero-Emission Buses

As part of its climate protection efforts, Vienna achieves a new small milestone. A total of 60 e-buses and 10 H2 buses are being purchased by Wiener Linien. The plan is to convert ten lines to zero-emission drives by 2025.

November 2, 2022

President of Hungary Katalin Novák Visits Austria

The Hungarian President, Katalin Novák, is the first head of state to visit the re-elected President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen. The conversation between the two heads of state focused on the fight against illegal migration, climate change and the war in Ukraine.

October 27, 2022

Weekly Briefing: Reelection of President Van der Bellen

The Find out more about this week's developments. The Austrian president has been re-elected and diplomacy is in full swing in Vienna. Various diplomatic forums and conferences were held. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.

October 13, 2022

Van der Bellen's First Trip After Reelection

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen's first trip abroad after his re-election will be to the World Climate Conference in Egypt. The President will participate in COP 27 from November 7 to 8, 2022 in Sharm El Sheikh and sees this as a conscious sign to strengthen the fight against the climate crisis.

October 12, 2022

Weekly Briefing: Rising Migration in Austria

The Find out more about this week's developments. For Austria, new questions arise about the migration and integration of refugees. The coronavirus quarantine ends in August. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.

July 28, 2022

Earth Overshoot Day: World has Already Used Up Resources

The Earth's natural resources for this year will have been depleted by tomorrow. By tomorrow, ecosystems would need about a year to replenish their resources. According to the Global Footprint Network, which is based in the United States and Switzerland, Earth Overshoot Day is slightly earlier this year than last.

July 27, 2022

Weekly Briefing: Diplomacy and Newest Developments in Vienna and Austria

Read about the newest developments in Diplomacy in Vienna and Austria. Further, Austria is strengthening its efforts to fight global and local grievances. Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg visited Serbia and Kosovo. The Find out more about this week's developments.

June 19, 2022

OSCE Strengthens Cooperation Between Europe and Asia

At the recent OSCE Asia Conference in Vienna, participants discussed synergies and opportunities for cooperation between the European organization and its Asian partners. Members strongly condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and called for a return to multilateralism.

June 17, 2022

Commission Vice-President Timmermans Visits Vienna: Cities as Engine for European "Green Deal"

Vice-President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Climate Action Frans Timmermans met Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig at a working meeting in Vienna today. The main topic of discussion was the importance of cities in the implementation of the European Green Deal and what measures Vienna is taking to achieve CO2 neutrality.

June 14, 2022

Austria's Approach after the EU Future Conference

Recently, the results of the EU Future Conference were the focus of debate in the EU Committee of the Austrian Federal Council. After the results of the conference on the future of Europe launched in 2021 have already been discussed by the National Council, a debate is also to take place in the plenary session of the Federal Council.

June 2, 2022

The Austrian Development Bank's Efforts in Climate Protection and Energy Supply

The Austrian Development Bank recently published its latest Impact Report, disclosing the development effects achieved through its investments. The published report shows that the projects supported by OeEB saved more than 1.19 million tons of CO2 emissions and gave more than 297,000 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises access to one or more loans.

May 31, 2022

UN Symposium in Austria: How Space Technologies Can Mitigate Climate Change

The UN/Austria Symposium 2022 "Space for climate action: experiences and best practices in mitigating and adapting to climate change and supporting sustainability on Earth" will be held online September 13-15. The focus of the symposium will be on recent initiatives, experiences and best practices in mitigating and adapting to climate change and supporting sustainability on Earth, and in addition to raising awareness of the use of space technologies by Member States, will also highlight how the space sector is adapting to reduce its own impact on the climate crisis.

May 31, 2022

OPEC Holds Special Workshop on Climate Change: "Challenges and Opportunities for Energy-Exporting Developing Countries.”

The Vienna-based Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) recently hosted the fifth Climate Change Technical Workshop under the theme "The first global stocktake under the Paris Agreement: challenges and opportunities for energy-exporting developing countries." OPEC hosted the event ahead of the 21st OPEC Climate Change Coordination Meeting, which will be held on May 31, 2022.

May 30, 2022

UN Calls for Swift Action Against the International Food Crisis

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres once again warned of an impending increase in global famine at the recent meeting on global hunger taking pace at UN Headquarters. He highlighted the importance of the wheat supply shortfall from Ukraine and outlined a five-point plan to avert the coming crisis.

May 20, 2022

Russian Aggression Against Ukraine Provides Opportunity Against Climate Change

The Russian Invasion of Ukraine has challenged many old structures globally. One of those structures is the energy infrastructure of Europe. The Russian Aggression has put Europe in an energy crisis. This crisis could give momentum to combat climate change.

April 11, 2022

European Forum Alpbach Gets Ready for Its 2022 Event

The date for the European Forum Alpbach was recently set by the organizers and will take place between August 21 and September 2. The event, which is a great networking opportunity, is focusing on a new program design this year. If you are interested in what is on the program and which days are best to visit, then read on now.

April 5, 2022

Putin's War Forces OMV to Make Most Fundamental Strategic Shift in Its History

Russia's aggression toward Ukraine is forcing OMV, the Austrian oil, gas and petrochemical group to take drastic measures. The company's management decided to stop all investment activities in Russia and to rely on alternative suppliers in the future. OMV thus joins many other companies that are slowly turning their backs on the Russian market.

March 17, 2022

Schallenberg Met Baerbock - Shared Responsibility Against the Aggression of the Kremlin

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock met with Foreign Minister Schallenberg in Berlin to discuss the tensions between Russia and Ukraine, as well as climate action and the Western Balkans. Read what the two foreign ministers said about these issues.

February 21, 2022

EU - African Union Summit as Driver for Strengthened Economic Partnership between African Countries and Austria

Austria plans to use the upcoming European Union - African Union Summit as a means to strengthen the economic partnership between African countries and Austria. Read more about Austria's plans for strengthening cooperation with Africa.

February 15, 2022

Austria Promises Legal Action After EU Commission's Nuclear Energy Decision

Austria has vowed to take legal action against the European Commission after it decided to include nuclear energy and natural gas as sustainable investments under the EU Taxonomy Regulation. Read what the Austrian president, chancellor, and climate minister said about this decision.

February 3, 2022

Van der Bellen: New Year's Address to the Diplomatic Corps in Vienna

President Van der Bellen delivered his New Year's address to the Diplomatic Corps in Vienna. He talked about the climate crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and more. Read what the president said and watch his speech.

January 24, 2022

Luxury Goods Group: Swarovski Drops Further in Ranking

The famous Austrian crystal glass manufacturer Swarovski has fallen a further 3 places on the global ranking of luxury goods sales. The company's sales also halved between 2017 and 2020 from 3.5 billion euros to 1.7 billion euros. Read about Swarovski's decline in sales and the general downturn in the luxury goods industry.

December 8, 2021

Linhart's Round of Visits to Central Asian Autocrats Was All about Deepening Economic Relations

Foreign Minister Linhart visited the Central Asian countries of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan to strengthen economic relations. The foreign minister met various leaders and participated in multiple economic forums. Read about the details of his trip to Central Asia.

November 9, 2021

Climate Crisis: Vienna Joins "Race to Zero" Campaign

At the World Climate Conference (COP 26) in Glasgow, Vienna has announced that it is joining the "Race to Zero" campaign, which aims to cut emissions in half by 2030 and create a carbon-free world. Read about Vienna's new climate change commitment.

November 8, 2021

Schallenberg at UN Climate Conference: "We can only overcome a global crisis together"

Chancellor Schallenberg recently spoke at the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow. The Austrian chancellor stressed the need for international cooperation to fight climate change. Read some of Austria's climate goals, what steps it is taking to achieve these, and what the chancellor said still needs to be done.

November 2, 2021

Greenpeace: 80% of Austrian Short-haul EU Flights are Substitutable by Train

According to a Greenpeace report, 80 percent of Austria's short-haul flights can be replaced by rail travel. For 53 percent of all top-30 short-haul flights within the EU, there are direct overnight train connections, the report states.

October 27, 2021

Economic Diplomacy a la "ReFocus": Connecting Diplomatic Representatives with Austria's Business Community

Diplomatic representatives in Austria met with members of the Austrian business community as part of the "ReFocus Austria" government initiative aimed at promoting Austrian companies abroad and Austria as a business location. The main focus of this event was opportunities in the "green economy." Read more about this event and "ReFocus Austria."

October 27, 2021

The Federal President on National Day: "Handing over the planet in order"

President Van der Bellen delivered a televised address to the nation to celebrate Austria's National Day. In his speech, the president addressed various issues, with a particular emphasis on the threat of climate change. Read what Van der Bellen said, and watch his full address.

October 27, 2021

Official State Visit of the King of Jordan to Austria

King Abdullah II of Jordan recently met with President Van der Bellen in Vienna. The two leaders discussed various issues, including climate change. Read more about King Abdullah's official visit to Austria.

October 26, 2021

Austria's Strategy for the Upcoming European Council Meeting

Ahead of the European Council meeting in Brussels, Austrian Chancellor Schallenberg, EU Minister Edtstadler, and members of parliament laid out Austria's strategy for the meeting. Read their stances on the key issues they plan to raise in Brussels.

October 22, 2021

Infineon Opened €1.6 Billion High-tech Chip Factory in Villach

After three years of planning and construction and a € 1.6 billion price tag, Infineon Technologies AG finally opened its new high-tech chip factory in Villach, Austria. Read more about the new factory, the chips produced there, and what Infineon does.

October 20, 2021

Schallenberg's First Foreign Trip as Austrian Chancellor

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council President Charles Michel recently met for talks in Brussels with Chancellor Schallenberg on his first foreign trip since being appointed chancellor. Read about the chancellor's trip, his talks with the two leaders, and a Twitter error involving former Chancellor Kurz.

October 15, 2021

Vienna's Praterstern to Be Transformed into a Greened and Cooled Lounge Oasis

Vienna's Praterstern is beginning its transformation into a greened and cooled lounge oasis and should be finished by the summer of 2022. Read about the specifics of the revitalization of Praterstern and view some projections of what the area will look like once it is complete.

October 14, 2021

Austria Presents Financial Budget for 2022

Austrian Finance Minister Gernot Blümel presented Austria's draft financial budget for 2022 to the Austrian Parliament in the form of the annual budget speech. The plan includes tax reforms, budget increases for various ministries, estimates regarding the COViD-19 crisis, and more. Read some of the specific provisions in the budget outlined by the finance minister.

October 14, 2021

Vienna's "Traincademy" Uses Modern Simulators and VR for Driver and Rail Jobs Training

The new Traincademy in Vienna offers training courses for train drivers and other rail jobs using modern simulators and VR technology. With some estimating that thousands of rail employees will be needed in the coming years in Austria alone, the Traincademy wants to offer high-quality training to those looking for careers in the industry. Read more about the new Traincademy and the future of the rail industry.

October 13, 2021

76th UN General Assembly: Contribution and Results from an Austrian Perspective

Throughout the 76th United Nations General Assembly, some of the main issues that the Austrian delegation focused on were sustainable energy and climate change, COVID-19 and vaccinations, and the situation in Afghanistan. Read about some of the contributions and results of the event from Austria's point of view.

September 29, 2021

Paris and Vienna Share Focus on Climate Protection

Paris and Vienna, two of the largest cities in Europe, now share a focus on protecting the environment. To see how Paris is working to deal with climate change and how Vienna can learn from it, a Viennese delegation visited Paris to view some projects aimed at countering climate change. Read more about the projects that Paris and Vienna are implementing to protect the cities from the harmful effects of the changing climate.

September 23, 2021

Van der Bellen at 76th UN General Assembly: "World Stage of Foreign Policy"

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen is in New York attending the 76th UN General Assembly along with Chancellor Kurz and Foreign Minister Schallenberg. On Tuesday, President Van der Bellen attended the "Welcome Reception" with UN-Secretary General António Guterres and the opening of the General Assembly. The President also held talks with the presidents of Costa Rica, Ghana, Guyana, Senegal, and Zambia. Van der Bellen is still scheduled to meet with Secretary-General Guterres, various world leaders, and scientists to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and more. Read about the President's trip so far and what is next on his agenda.

September 21, 2021

Multilateralism at the UN General Assembly: Kurz and Schallenberg in NYC

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and Foreign Minister Schallenberg are in New York for the 76th United Nations General Assembly. Their trip includes meetings with various delegations, with an emphasis on the situation in Afghanistan and the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, the pair, along with President Van der Bellen, will meet for talks with UN Secretary-General Antońio Guterres. Chancellor Kurz will also address the Council on Foreign Relations and Schallenberg will deliver a speech to the General Assembly. Read more about the details of their trip.

September 21, 2021

Meet the New Ambassador of the Republic of Maldives

The new Ambassador of Maldives to Austria, H.E. Mr. Asim Ahmed, presented his credentials to Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen. Ambassador Ahmed also recently met with Leonore Gewessler, the Austrian Minister for Climate Action. Learn more about the Ambassador.

September 17, 2021

Foreign Culture is Central Element of Austrian Diplomatic Soft Power

At the International Culture Conference 2021, Foreign Minister Schallenberg spoke about the importance of foreign culture as an instrument of soft power and diplomacy. He also highlighted some of the various new initiatives and programs to promote foreign culture, such as the "International Music Dialogues," the “On the road again” initiative for visual artists, “Repair of the Future - the Global Casting of Tomorrow,” and more.

September 10, 2021
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