KVP – Climate Impact Assessment
In order to address substantial aspects of the Austrian Climate Strategy, Austria is introducing an climate impact assessment at the federal policy level, that aims to mainstream regulations addressing both mitigation and adaptation in terms of assessing: (1) potential effects of the regulation with regard to emissions of greenhouse gases; (2) expected effects on vulnerability resp. the contribution to climate change response measures. The climate impact assessment shall follow the overall principle to exhaust positive effects (emission reductions, reduced vulnerability/increasing adaptive capacity) and – to the extent possible – avoid negative effects.
The methodology of the climate impact assessment foresees the following assessment steps responsible authorities have to arrange for in preparation of a new regulation or an amendment:
- Examination of the effects on climate relevant goals and measures (Austrian Climate Strategy);
- Estimation of the effects (with regard to greenhouse gas emissions – in tones CO2 avoided/produced and contribution to climate change adaptation)
- If relevant adverse effects can be expected, possible alternatives have to be elaborated and assessed in terms of their potential impacts.
- At best, the most “climate friendly “alternative shall be chosen.
- In each case an explanatory statement has to be indicated in the law materials.
Second call „New Energy 2020” – the climate and energy fund research- and technology programme
In Austria a new fund – the Austrian Climate and Energy Fund (KLI.EN) – was established in 2007. KLIEN is supporting
- Environmentally friendly measures in the transport sector;
- Market penetration of climate relevant and sustainable energy technologies;
- Research and development in the area of sustainable energy technologies and climate research
The climate and energy fund has recently opened the second call 2008 for its new research and technology programme “new energy 2020”. About 20 Million Euros are allocated for research and development, especially on the topics
- Energy systems and nets,
- Energy in industry and trade,
- Energy and final consumer,
- Advanced memory and transformation technologies,
- Climate and energy model regions,
- Decision bases for the Austrian energy and climate policy.
http://www.ffg.at/content.php?cid=945
Start of „New Energy 2020” – the climate- and energy fund research- and technology programme
http://www.ffg.at/content.php?cid=945
May 2008
In Austria a new fund – the Austrian Climate and Energy Fund (KLIEN) – was established in 2007. KLIEN is supporting environmentally friendly measures in the transport sector;
- market penetration of climate relevant and sustainable energy technologies;
- research and development in the area of sustainable energy technologies and climate research.
The climate and energy fund has recently opened the first call 2008 for its new research and technology programme “new energy 2020”. About 20 Million Euros are allocated for research and development, especially on the topics energy efficiency, renewable energy and intelligent energy systems.
http://www.klimafonds.gv.at/
http://www.ffg.at/content.php?cid=821
10th Austrian Climate Day- Research on climate, climate change and impacts in Austria
March 2008
The 10th Austrian Climate Day took place on 13th and 14th of March 2008 in Vienna. The aim of this venue was to give an overview of the status quo of Austrian research regarding climate change. Knowledge exchange, networking and a multidisciplinary approach are some of the added values of this event.
http://www.austroclim.at/index.php?id=86
StartClim – Research Programme on climate change and impacts
January – December 2008
The climate research programme StartClim was implemented in 2002 as a response to extensive floods in Austria. About 80 Austrian scientists and more than 30 Austrian institutions are participating in StartClim. It is extended on a year-to-year basis and covers various topics:
- meteorological extreme events and their socio-economic impacts on Austria (2003);
- heat waves, drought and their impacts on Austria (2004);
- climate change and health (2005);
- effects of climate change on health, tourism and energy (2006, 2007); and
- meteorological research, biodiversity and economic effects (2007).
This year (2008) the focus lies on adaptation to climate change – a quite general focus that was consciously chosen in order to get a broad range of ideas in addition to the ones already covered.