Citizens shape Vienna's climate: 23 projects implemented by 2027!

Citizens shape Vienna's climate: 23 projects implemented by 2027!

The justification for a better Austria

What does Vienna have to do with a growing awareness of climate protection and citizen participation? A whole lot! Since 2022, the Be Viennese Climate Team has been taking part in an interesting projective adventure that allows citizens to actively participate in the development of climate protection solutions at the city district level. The initiative is a prime example of citizen engagement and shows how local communities can actively participate in sustainable city life. According to Tockanai, since the start of the innovation project, Viennese people have been able to submit concrete suggestions for improving their environment.

The most recent round of meetings of the climate team showed that citizen participation is very popular in the districts of Alsergrund, Meidling and Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus. As part of the project, a total of 23 proposals, which are to be implemented by 2027, were selected by a committee consisting of randomly selected citizens. In Alsergrund, for example, seven projects are to be implemented, including the creation of an energy community for local electricity supply, “greening” the streets and the construction of new cycle paths.

Diversity of projects

But what has happened in the other districts? In Meidling, the focus is on promoting biorefinance and the circular economy, and a free bicycle workshop is even being set up here. Those responsible are also focusing on eight creative projects in Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus that strive for social cohesion and climatic adaptation. This also includes converting a street into a meeting area and redesigning the square in front of the church into a recreational area. This clearly shows that the Viennese not only want to contribute to climate protection with ideas, but also want to create a space for communication and social interaction.

A look at the next steps

The project will continue in the Josefstadt and Penzing districts in autumn 2025, and the best thing about it: every resident will be invited to contribute their ideas for a climate-resilient Vienna. As Energetika-Net reports, in this round special attention will be paid to hard-to-reach groups, so that everyone really has the chance to raise their voice and take part in the design process. Jürgen Czernohorszky, member of the Vienna city government, emphasizes the immense importance of the active engagement of citizens and is pleased about the large number of participants.

The implementation of these ideas is supported by a total budget of 13 million euros, which will be made available to the districts in the pilot phases. This means that the suggestions not only get a hearing, but also the necessary financial resources for their implementation.

With the Vienna Climate Team, Vienna becomes a living example of democracy in action, which not only changes the cityscape but also strengthens social structures. It remains exciting to see how this participatory project will develop and what influence it can have on future generations.