Climate Change in Austria

Different world regions are affected by human-induced climate change to varying extents. Since the pre-industrial era, Austria’s average annual air temperature has increased at twice the rate of the global average.

This deviation from the global warming trend can be attributed to the fact, that air over land generally warms faster than over the more thermally stable oceans. However, compared to global land surfaces, Austria's temperature increase is still higher, most likely due to increased solar radiation near the ground since the 1980s. Within Austria, there have been no notable differences in temperature trends, either between regions or between lowlands and higher altitudes.

Climate change is leading to diverse changes and has serious impacts. For example, drought and flooding events cause substantial damage and crop losses in agriculture. The extent to which human-caused climate change increases the likelihood and intensity of extreme weather events like heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and storms is the focus of attribution research. One of the most visible climate-related changes is the melting of glaciers, which, although altering the landscape, has only a minor effect on Austria's water supply.

Thus, climate change potentially has direct impacts on food production and the overall economic development of the country. Many animal and plant species are also at risk, as their habitats are altered by rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns. This leads to a loss of native biodiversity, which can have long-term severe impacts on ecosystems and human health. 

Models and scenarios

To make predictions about the expected climate in the Alpine region, GeoSphere Austria uses simulations from regional climate models. These models, with their high spatial resolution, enable a better representation of climate changes that global climate models cannot resolve for Austria’s highly varied terrain. The simulation of future climate based on different future scenarios has become one of the most closely watched areas within climate research. At GeoSphere Austria, urban climate projections are also a key focus. Together with other research institutions, GeoSphere Austria is significantly involved in the development and updating of Austrian climate scenarios. All climate scenarios involve certain uncertainties, also because future socioeconomic developments and political and regulatory conditions can not be predicted with certainty.

Strategic foundations for adaptation and resilience  

Based on monitoring of current climate conditions, observed climate changes, and various future climate scenarios, experts at GeoSphere Austria provide competent advice and information on the impacts of climate change in Austria for policymakers, businesses, society, and media. This knowledge forms the basis for decision-makers to develop adaptation and resilience measures against the effects of climate change. Understanding previous fluctuations of the climate, and how ecosystems responded, helps to develop strategies that meet both ecological and societal needs. The impacts of human-induced climate change affect all areas of life. Current users of GeoSphere Austria’s services come from sectors including:

  • Public Administration 
  • Agriculture
  • Tourism
  • Insurance industry
  • Urban Planning
  • Water Management
  • Infrastructure Services