Redefining green: Vienna's trailblazing achievements in climate responsibility

A pioneering city in every sense of the word, Vienna began tackling environmental protection before it was cool. In 1999, the city had already adopted its Climate Protection Programme, which yielded considerable results in the 25 years since, and contributed to Austria consistently ranking as one of the most climate-conscious countries in the world. Most noteworthy, the strategy succeeded in reducing per-capita CO₂ emissions by almost 40%, paving the way for what is now the city’s main goal for the future: to become climate-neutral by 2040.

For the Viennese, sustainability is no mere buzzword. From city management to students to entrepreneurs, the people of Vienna know that building an environmentally conscious future isn’t a trend—it’s a must. With the climate crisis commonly accepted as one of the biggest challenges of our time, the city aims to focus on measures that are not only good for the environment and climate but also good for the people, as pointed out by Jürgen Czernohorszky, Executive City Councillor for Climate, Environment, Democracy and Personnel, in the Vienna Climate Guide. 

Drawing up a separate climate budget, with clearly defined targets, was only the first step in doing so. Vienna’s Smart City Wien Strategy, which guides and concentrates the city’ efforts for the upcoming years, employs various data-backed measures that are meant to not only decrease dependency on finite resources and improve liveability, but also give citizens the tools needed to integrate sustainability into their every day.

It is exactly this human-centric approach that sets Vienna apart. Fully aware that well-designed climate policies need to go hand in hand with social equity, the city focuses on creating opportunities for active participation, ensuring that all groups are taken into consideration, and that all contribute to shaping their community. By making climate justice a core part of its green strategy, as well as applying circular economy principles at every level, the city aims to ensure fairness not only between social groups, but also between generations. 

What’s more, in doing so, Vienna makes use of its long-standing artistic and cultural tradition in order to raise awareness and develop new solutions. With more and more creative and tech businesses alike placing a focus on environmental protection, the city is well on its way to becoming the centre of the creative climate movement.

There is no better proof that Vienna is on the right path than the many pioneering achievements the city can already look back on. By maintaining an eco-social perspective in both planning and development, Vienna built a solid foundation upon which to grow. 

By continuing to design urban space in a liveable way, Vienna is not only well on its way to achieving climate neutrality by 2040, but also equipped to become increasingly climate-resilient. Future foci include expansion of renewable energies, green jobs, the 15-minute city, waste management and many more, all meant to ensure Vienna’s future is greener and brighter than ever. 

“Through forward-looking and responsible policies, we have already demonstrated in the past that Vienna is able to address major challenges optimally. We will remain true to this principle also in the field of climate protection, so that Vienna will still be the most liveable city worldwide in 20 years from now.” 

Michael Ludwig, Mayor of the City of Vienna | Vienna Climate Roadmap