Vienna binds its 2040 climate neutrality goal to a law

Vienna becomes the first Austrian local authority to establish a legal basis for achieving climate neutrality. The city’s initiative comes as European cities strive for climate neutrality, facing challenges in turning good intentions into reality. The Vienna Climate Act, recently introduced by the Austrian capital, sets a legal mandate for its climate-neutrality goal, marking a significant step in the city’s commitment to climate protection. Jürgen Czernohorszky, Vienna’s Climate Councilor, emphasized the importance of this move in promoting socially just climate protection through effective measures and public involvement. While Vienna’s 3C model of climate action is not entirely new, the Climate Act solidifies the city’s efforts towards climate neutrality by 2040, focusing on climate protection, adaptation, and circular economy. The Act also highlights public participation and legal safeguards, requiring involvement from residents and environmental groups in updating the city’s climate roadmap. This pioneering local legislation could potentially inspire similar actions at the national level in Austria.