Vienna updates climate roadmap to focus on heat and drought

The City of Vienna is updating its climate roadmap to place a stronger emphasis on managing the impacts of heat and drought. While the core strategy and the long-term goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2040 remain unchanged, the update introduces new priorities such as strengthening regional agriculture, expanding natural recreational spaces, and stabilizing the drinking water supply against increasing periods of drought.

Key components of the update include a redesign of the city’s heat action plan and overall heat management to ensure rapid responses during extreme temperature periods. The city also aims to sharpen definitions for climate justice and climate neutrality. The roadmap covers various sectors, including mobility, construction, energy, consumption, and waste, with specific support for companies implementing circular economy principles and the renovation of buildings using renewable energy systems.

This update is a legally mandated process requiring the City Council to review the roadmap every five years. Environmental Councilor Jürgen Czernohorszky noted that while the roadmap serves as a strategic framework rather than a direct manual for specific projects, it coordinates efforts across various departments. Climate Director Andreas Januskovecz serves as the interface for implementing these guidelines.