Key Indicators of Climate Change and the Energy Sector in 2024

The year 2022 was characterised by a decoupling of economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions. Austria emitted significantly less greenhouse gases than in the previous year (–5.8 percent), although GDP grew substantially (+4.8 percent). This divergence was due to the sharp rise in energy prices following the war in Ukraine, mild weather conditions, the increase in renewable energy technologies, and improvements in the energy efficiency of the capital stock. After 2020, greenhouse gas emissions reached their lowest level since 1990 (72.8 million t CO2 equivalents). However, much remains to be done to reach Austria's target of climate neutrality by 2040, especially in view of a possible economic upturn in 2025. This year's special feature looks at land use trends and their relevance for food security. Against the backdrop of climate change and together with stagnating yields per hectare and population growth, the steady decline in agricultural land harbours risks to food security.