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Climate Crisis
FPÖ Warns of Impending Gas Shortage and Dependence on the U.S.
The FPÖ is sounding the alarm and urgently warning the EU of an impending gas shortage that could be triggered by the Union's climate targets and possible supply stoppages from abroad. In a recent press release, the party once again describes EU climate policy as unrealistic and a threat to Europe's prosperity and competitiveness, warns against the U.S., and defends Russia.
August 3, 2025
Austrian Government Opens Bregenz Festival 2025 with Appeal for Visionary and Responsible "Mindset"
The Bregenz Festival 2025 had been officially opened. The opening ceremony, which attracted high-ranking representatives from politics and culture, focused on Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and Austrian Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler. Both argued in their speeches that we are living in a forward-looking and critical time, emphasizing the importance of showing courage and responsibility.
July 21, 2025
OSCE Chairpersonship Conference Emphasizes Comprehensive Approach to Climate Protection
The third annual OSCE Chairmanship Conference on Climate and Security, held in Espoo, Finland, emphasized the urgent need to respond to the pressing national, regional, and global security challenges posed by climate change. The conference highlighted the importance of a comprehensive and whole-of-society approach to advancing the climate and security agenda.
June 17, 2025
International Climate Conference in Vienna, Austrian World Summit 2025: Schwarzenegger Calls for Action
The ninth Austrian World Summit took place at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna under the motto “Unite in Action – Terminate Pollution.” Organized by former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative, the event aimed to present concrete measures to combat the climate crisis, strengthen cooperation, and generate political and social momentum for ambitious climate protection policies.
June 4, 2025
OSCE Conference in Vienna: Joint Strategies for Climate Security and Resilience
Under the motto “Resilient Together in a Changing Climate”, over 140 representatives from the 57 OSCE participating States, partner countries, international organizations, and civil society gathered in Vienna. The event was organized as part of Finland's OSCE Chairmanship 2025 and was dedicated to strengthening resilience to the security challenges posed by climate change.
May 5, 2025
Gas Drilling in Molln: Economic Interests vs. Nature Conservation
The debate about gas drilling in Molln in the Kirchdorf district continues to intensify. While the Australian-Austrian company ADX Energy wants to expand its exploration efforts, opposition from environmental associations and political representatives is growing. The Constitutional Court (VfGH) has now issued a ruling that could have far-reaching consequences for future drilling projects.
February 13, 2025
Austria's Federal President Van der Bellen Calls on Diplomacy for Unity
In his traditional speech at the New Year's reception for the diplomatic corps in Vienna's Hofburg, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen highlighted the challenges of the current global situation. He emphasized the need for closer international cooperation, warned against increasing disinformation, and called for greater efforts to combat the climate crisis.
February 5, 2025
Finland Takes Over OSCE Chairmanship: Focus on Resilience and Ukraine Support
In 2025, the 50th anniversary year of the Helsinki Final Act, Finland will assume the Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). With a clear focus on strengthening the resilience of the participating states and the organization, Finland is taking on a central role in Europe, marked by geopolitical tensions.
January 2, 2025
Malta Launches OSCE Conference on the Security Implications of Climate Change
A high-level conference on climate change was held in the Maltese capital Valletta, organized by the Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). This conference aims to examine the security implications of the climate crisis for the OSCE area and to emphasize the urgent need for cooperative efforts to tackle this global challenge.
June 25, 2024
City of Vienna Warns of Nuclear Renaissance and Small Modular Reactors in Europe
In a recent statement, Vienna City Councillor for Climate Action Jürgen Czernohorszky, who is also Chairman of the Cities for Nuclear Free Europe (CNFE) initiative, is critical of Sweden's nuclear power plans, the situation, and the development of Small Modular Reactors in Europe.
March 4, 2024
EU Ambassador in Vienna Selmayr Transitions to Academia
After serving as the Ambassador of the European Commission in Austria since November 2019, Martin Selmayr is embarking on a new journey in academia.
January 31, 2024
New Year's Reception of the Austrian Federal President for the Diplomatic Corps
In a speech during the New Year's reception for the diplomatic corps, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen emphasized the need to create a more peaceful and just world. In a world marked by crises, natural disasters, and wars, he called for unity and dialog.
January 23, 2024
Viennese Air Quality 2023: Compliance with all Pollutant Limits
Air quality in Vienna in 2023 shows a significant improvement and continues the trend of recent years. Despite increased particulate matter levels due to New Year's Eve fireworks, the legal limits for pollutants were met at all measuring points.
January 4, 2024
Dispute in the Austrian Government and EU Reactions: Focus on Climate Protection
There is a dispute in Austrian politics over the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), which is causing tensions with the European Union. The EU Commission has called on Austria to submit the NECP without delay, as Austria, along with Bulgaria and Poland, has not yet submitted an updated draft by the European Climate Law. This could lead to infringement proceedings, which could escalate over several stages up to the European Court of Justice (ECJ).
December 18, 2023
Greece and Austria: Shared Values and Visions for the Future
Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the President of the Hellenic Republic, paid an official visit to Austria, invited by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen. This visit symbolizes not only the deep cultural and political ties between the two countries but also their joint efforts in areas such as climate protection, security, and European integration.
December 12, 2023
Natural History Collections Document Loss of Biodiversity
Natural history collections are not only valuable cultural archives but also crucial research infrastructures that document the Earth's biodiversity and its loss. In a time of global change, these collections are becoming increasingly important.
November 15, 2023
OPEC Secretary General Al Ghais Advocates for Increased Oil Production Amidst Global Energy Transition
In a recent op-ed and public statement, OPEC Secretary General, His Excellency Haitham Al Ghais, presented a compelling argument for the necessity of oil in today's world, even as global energy transitions are underway.
November 13, 2023
Mowing Sheep Enrich Flora and Fauna of Vienna's Danube Island
As part of a pioneering EU project, the Danube Island's new and gentle inhabitants have proven to be surprisingly efficient lawnmowers. Around 70 sheep find a temporary home on the Danube Island during the summer months. As natural lawnmowers, they help to revitalize the island's flora and fauna and promote biodiversity.
August 21, 2023
Austria's Successful Green Budgeting and Emission Reduction Efforts
The Climate Team, newly established in the Austrian Ministry of Finance, has presented essential results and analyses in recent months to bring Austria closer to the goal of a cost-effective and socially acceptable transformation in climate protection. In fact, the European Commission, OECD, and World Bank have all recognized Austrian green budgeting as a best practice.
July 30, 2023
"Wiener Gusto" in the Final for the EU Organic Awards 2023
Vienna is a proud finalist in this year's EU Organic Awards in the category "Best Organic City" thanks to its city-owned food brand "Wiener Gusto".
July 25, 2023
PÜSPÖK and UNESCO: Empowering Climate Action through Nature Conservation and Renewable Energy
The Austrian company PÜSPÖK, a rapidly growing company in the field of renewable energies, is actively committed to climate, environmental, and nature protection. By supporting the initiative "Klimapartnerschaft.at", PÜSPÖK is committed to the preservation and protection of the largest primeval forest remnant in the Alpine arc, the UNESCO World Natural Heritage "Wilderness Area Dürrenstein-Lassingtal", thus contributing to the protection of a rare ecosystem and unique biodiversity.
July 25, 2023
OSCE Asian Partners Conference: Strengthening Multilateral Cooperation for Common Challenges
The OSCE Asian Partners for Co-operation Group Conference held in Vienna has brought together participants to discuss synergies and opportunities for cooperation with a particular emphasis on strengthening dialogue between the OSCE and Asia.
July 23, 2023
Plants as Climate-Friendly Air Conditioning: City of Vienna Promotes Greening of Buildings
The positive effect of green buildings on the climate is undisputed. To promote the implementation of green buildings, the City of Vienna provides generous subsidies of up to € 20,200. Interested parties can obtain free advice on this subject from Eco Counselling (DIE UMWELTBERATUNG) in Vienna.
July 23, 2023
OSCE High-Level Climate Conference Highlights Cross-Border Cooperation
Addressing climate-related challenges and security risks through enhanced cross-border cooperation took center stage at the OSCE High-Level Conference on Climate Change, held at the Hofburg in Vienna. Among those attending the conference were high-level representatives of the OSCE participating states and partners for cooperation, climate security experts and practitioners, and representatives of international organizations.
July 9, 2023
NEFI Study Shows Paths to Climate-Neutral Industry in Austria
A recent study by the innovation network NEFI - New Energy for Industry has provided important impetus for a climate-neutral future for Austrian industry. In 2021, the domestic manufacturing industry was responsible for more than one-third of the total CO2 emissions in Austria. The NEFI experts have now developed three scenarios that show concrete ways to transform the industrial energy system.
June 11, 2023
Vienna Business Agency and Climate Lab For Sustainable Economic Development
Since its founding in September 2022, the Climate Lab has strived to achieve Austria's climate neutrality targets and the goals of the Austrian circular economy strategy as quickly as possible through innovative collaborations and alliances.
June 4, 2023
OPEC Fund Approves New Financing to Fulfill its Climate Action Plan
The OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) approved more than $300 million in new funding in the first quarter of 2023, reflecting the institution's commitment to fulfilling its Climate Action Plan. Three of the four projects approved by the OPEC Fund's Governing Board directly support climate finance.
March 15, 2023
New Funding for Economic Transformation in Austria
The Ministry of Labor and Economic Affairs (BMAW) has announced a new funding track under the Climate and Transformation Offensive. The Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) supports the Austrian economy in the transformation and the BMAW provides €300 million for research funding until 2026.
March 1, 2023
Wien Energie and Wiener Linien Continue Photovoltaic Offensive
Exactly 1,369 photovoltaic modules will make Vienna's public transport even greener with immediate effect, as part of the City of Vienna's plan to drive forward climate-friendly energy policies.
February 19, 2023
Austria Supports Earthquake Victims in Turkish-Syrian Border Area
The devastating earthquake in Türkiye and Syria left devastation and over 6000 people dead. The search for survivors in the rubble continues, among other things with numerous international aid. Austria is also sending aid with 82 soldiers and 3 million euros from the Foreign Disaster Fund (AKF) for relief organizations. NGOs in Vienna, meanwhile, are asking for monetary donations.
February 7, 2023
Slovak President Čaputová Received Austrian President Van der Bellen
Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová received Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen in Bratislava. Among other things, they discussed further aid to Ukraine, which is under attack from Russia.
February 5, 2023
Fracking Is Causing Tensions in the Austrian Parliament
Fracking has caused tensions in the Austrian parliament. Climate protection Minister Leonore Gewessler from the Green Party tried to pass a law banning Fracking in Austria. However, the party’s coalition partner in the government, the Austrian People's Party (OEVP) declined the law.
January 18, 2023 · Sponsored Content
The Rising Cost of Living Is the Biggest Concern for Austrians
A study conducted by the Institute for Empirical Social Research (IFES) on behalf of the trade union GPA shows that – among other things – the rise of living cost are causing the biggest headaches for Austrians. Other subjects of worry are the worsening of the healthcare system and the rising gap between the poor and rich.
December 31, 2022
Austria Promotes Energy Research with 17 Million Euros
The Climate and Energy Fund promotes innovations for clean, affordable and reliable energy supply. The aim is to strengthen Austria as a location for innovation and to improve export opportunities for the domestic economy. A total of 17 million euros is available for the program, endowed from the funds of the Ministry of Climate Protection (BMK).
December 29, 2022
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 Chamber of Commerce Demands Acceleration of Energy Transition with Faster Approval Procedures
The EU Commission's emergency regulation is intended to accelerate the expansion of additional energy capacities, with the draft also to be extended to other areas of energy infrastructure. The head of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, Karlheinz Kopf, demands acceleration of the Energy Transition with faster approval procedures and eased bureaucracy.
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
Crises in East Africa and Yemen: Austria Supports Affected Regions
In order to support states that have been hit particularly hard by national or international conflicts as well as by natural disasters and climate change, the Austrian Federal Government made 8 million euros available from the Foreign Disaster Fund. The money will go to organisations that are active in Yemen and East Africa.
October 20, 2022
Ankara and Vienna Sign Cooperation Agreement
The capitals of Austria and Turkey, Vienna and Ankara, will intensify their cooperation in the future. Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig received the Mayor of Ankara, Mansur Yavas, in the City Hall. Both mayors signed a cooperation agreement to this effect in Vienna City Hall.
October 19, 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
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