Vienna Climate Act (Wr. KG).

The Vienna Climate Act (Wiener Klimagesetz), enacted in April 2025, sets out the city’s commitment to significant climate-related goals. Its overarching objectives include contributing to climate protection, adapting Vienna to the impacts of climate change, reducing vulnerability, enhancing resilience and adaptability, and strengthening the circular economy. The city explicitly aims for climate neutrality by 2040, in line with EU and Paris Agreement targets, and intends to achieve this both in its administration and across broader municipal operations. Special emphasis is placed on fostering awareness about these goals throughout civil society, public administration, business, and other regional entities, ensuring participation and social justice, especially for vulnerable groups.
To ensure effective implementation, the Act introduces several governance and operational mechanisms. Notably, a Steering Group for Climate Affairs, comprised of the mayor and city councillors, oversees progress and, if targets are not being met, must initiate immediate action plans. An independent Climate Council, divided into expert, city, and societal boards, provides guidance and issues recommendations. Key instruments established by the Act include a periodically updated Climate Roadmap, climate budgeting for municipal departments, mandatory climate checks for new laws and major construction projects, and a sustainable procurement program. Vienna also seeks to forge "Climate Alliances" by partnering with external stakeholders to further these environmental objectives. The text consists of 21 Articles divided into 5 Parts.