At the Climate Summit, Federal Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) emphatically reaffirmed Austria’s determination to make a contribution to achieving the climate goals. At the same time, however, he made it particularly clear that all measures are insufficient without cooperation with the private sector and without innovations. It cannot be that in the end one has to choose between economic health and environmental health.
In principle, Austria relies entirely on the use of renewable energies. “We currently cover more than 70 percent of our national electricity needs from renewable energy sources. Our goal is to increase this proportion to 100 percent by 2030. ” Schallenberg also referred to the “large-scale ecological turnaround in the context of the eco-social tax reform”. This lays “the foundation for a certificate-based CO2 pricing system in Austria, and at the same time relieves families with low and middle incomes.”
The third point mentioned by the Chancellor was investments in public transport and energy efficiency. Here Austria is investing “more than ever before in our history”. And: “As Austria, we recently increased our contribution to the Green Climate Fund by 100 million euros, bringing our total share to 130 million euros.”
However, the Chancellor devoted a particularly long section of his speech to cooperation with business: “However, we must be aware of one fact: Despite all our efforts, we will not achieve our goals if we do not ensure the closest possible cooperation with the private sector. Working with the private sector is and will remain crucial to protecting our climate. Because a radical reduction in carbon emissions can only be achieved through cooperation and innovation. “
One will “have to rely on new paths. Only new, sustainable forms of industrial production, transport technology, consumption, living and forest management will enable us to become completely climate-neutral. I am convinced that these necessary innovations can only come about in close cooperation with the private sector – by scientists and entrepreneurs alike. And it is our task as political leaders to enable and support this wherever we can. That is crucial. “
Otherwise, you risk having to choose between “the economic health of our nations and the environmental health of our planet. And I am sure that you will all agree with me that neither one nor the other is an option. “
Schallenberg also used the summit in Glasgow to exchange ideas with other important heads of state.
