According to the latest data from the Austrian Environmental Agency’s “Nowcast” forecast, Vienna’s greenhouse gas emissions have decreased by nearly twelve percent in 2023, specifically 11.7% compared to the previous year. This was announced by the City of Vienna on Friday, showing a significant trend for the capital, as this reduction is nearly double the national average of 6.4%.

The decrease refers to urban emissions, including those covered by the European Emissions Trading System (ETS). Vienna continues its positive trajectory: in the 2022 national air pollutant inventory, emissions had already fallen by 4.5%. Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) commented on these positive developments, stating, “From the solar power initiative to the phase-out of fossil gas, as well as extensive subsidies and advisory services, our measures are already bearing fruit.”

Multiple Causes, but Vienna Is on the Right Path

The reasons for the decline are diverse and partly influenced by broader developments. However, the City of Vienna is on the right track with its “targeted climate protection measures,” according to a statement.

“The top priority is to maintain high quality of life, and for that, it requires not just lip service but real and socially just climate protection. In recent years, Vienna has already achieved much with targeted and socially compatible measures that benefit the people in every way,” said Jürgen Czernohorszky (SPÖ), Vienna’s climate councilor.

At the start of the current legislative period, the city developed a climate roadmap outlining the exact path toward climate neutrality by 2040. Many of the measures and goals included in this plan have already been implemented or are currently being developed.