Climate Conference: Domestic Politics Criticize

Austria's parliamentary parties are disappointed with the outcome of the UN Climate Conference in Belem, Brazil (COP30). A common point of criticism from ÖVP, SPÖ, NEOS, and the Greens is the lack of a roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels in the final text. In view of what they consider to be inadequate results, the NEOS are calling for a departure from the unanimity principle. The FPÖ issued comprehensive criticism of the climate conference and its participants.

No Roadmap for Fossil Phase-Out

The COP30 concluded on Saturday with minimal compromises. Since oil states like Saudi Arabia were not willing to compromise, the roadmap for the fossil phase-out was missing from the final text. However, the goal of tripling support for climate change adaptation in developing countries by 2035 was adopted.

In terms of climate protection, the package falls far short of what the EU considers necessary to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees, stated ÖVP Environment Minister Norbert Totschnig in a press release - "this cannot be sugarcoated." Nevertheless, it is an important signal for global climate protection, noted the environmental spokesperson of the People's Party, Carina Reiter. For example, the commitment that more efforts are needed to close the gap to the 1.5-degree target was anchored in the text, emphasized Reiter and Totschnig.

SPÖ: "More Than Inadequate"

The other coalition parties were clearly disappointed with the outcome. "More than inadequate" is how SPÖ environmental spokesperson Julia Herr described the final text. In addition to plans for phasing out fossil fuels, a commitment to stop deforestation is also missing. A final declaration without a clear roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels is akin to a "declaration of bankruptcy," said NEOS environmental spokesperson Michael Bernhard. Small progress, such as on issues of international financing for climate adaptation, cannot compensate for this. Herr highlighted the agreement to develop a mechanism for "Just Transition" - a socially acceptable transition to a climate-friendly economy - as a positive example.

The reaction from the Greens was similar. The result falls short of expectations and is "disappointing for all people on this planet," said environmental spokesperson Lukas Hammer. He criticized Totschnig for leaving Belem on Thursday - "well before the end of the negotiations": "That Totschnig prioritizes other appointments speaks volumes about the priorities of this federal government, where climate protection has become a mere side issue." The good thing about the conference is that in a time marked by conflicts, representatives from almost 200 countries sat down at one table.

FPÖ: "Climate Communism"

The FPÖ harshly criticized the COP30 and its participants. "Europe is stuck in climate communism and plays the role of the model student. Key countries like the USA, Russia, China, or Saudi Arabia are hitting the brakes. Environmental protection is often not an important concern for emerging countries. Against this background, such conferences could actually be abolished without replacement," said environmental spokesperson Thomas Spalt. Abolishing the COP could also be a "real sign for nature and environmental protection," after all, a highway was built through the rainforest before the climate conference; dozens of participants arrived in private jets.

Hammer complained that fossil interests are hindering the negotiations. That the ambitions of Austria and the EU were "undermined by some states" was also noted by Mr. Bernhard, who advocated to the APA for abandoning the unanimity principle. Decisions on certain issues could, for example, be made with a two-thirds or three-quarters majority, he suggested. He also appealed for holding many small conferences throughout the year instead of one large one, to avoid a "stop-and-go movement."

Chamber of Labor: "Disappointing"

From the perspective of the Chamber of Labor (AK), the outcome of the World Climate Conference is also "disappointing." Lukas Oberndorfer, head of the Climate, Environment, and Transport Department of the AK Vienna, called in a statement for "effective climate policy that corrects social imbalances." According to him, a global wealth tax based on the model of French economist Lucas Chancel and a "joint fight against tax fraud" would be necessary.

(APA/Red)

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