This country is slowing climate action. Its capital city is stepping up

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🗞️ Driving the news: As Austria’s new conservative-led federal government deprioritizes climate policy, the city of Vienna is accelerating its environmental agenda
• This spring, Vienna passed a landmark climate law committing to net-zero emissions by 2040
• Key actions include mandating solar panels on new buildings, replacing gas with geothermal heating, and creating a climate budget that tracks both financial and carbon costs

🔭 The context: Austria’s recent elections removed the Green Party from national leadership, dismantling its former “climate super-ministry” 
• With the federal government retreating on environmental goals, Vienna – home to one in five Austrians – has taken a leadership role
• The city has already disconnected from Russian gas, and its utilities are aligned with municipal climate targets

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Vienna offers a replicable model for urban climate leadership, especially as cities account for 70% of global CO₂ emissions
• Its initiatives — geothermal heating, climate budgeting, and green urban design — demonstrate how local governments can drive meaningful change even amid national inaction
• Still, some policies may be harder to replicate in cities reliant on private utilities

⏭️ What's next: Vienna aims to decarbonize all buildings by 2040, using heat pumps, geothermal wells, and waste energy
• The city will also enhance climate adaptation with expanded green infrastructure to counter floods and heatwaves
• If Vienna fails to meet its commitments, its new climate law allows citizens to take legal action

💬 One quote: "Waiting for others is something we cannot afford in the time of climate crisis," — Nina Abrahamczik, head of Vienna's climate and environment committee

📈 One stat: Vienna’s new geothermal system will heat 20,000 homes by 2028, significantly reducing reliance on fossil gas

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