Second Austrian Assessment Report on Climate Change Published – Key Contribution from the Unit for Energy Efficient Building
On June 17, 2025, the Second Austrian Assessment Report on Climate Change (AAR2) was officially published – currently the most comprehensive scientific report on climate change impacts, risks, and mitigation strategies specifically for Austria (https://aar2.ccca.ac.at).
Two key contributors from the Unit for Energy Efficient Building at the University of Innsbruck, Univ.-Prof. Wolfgang Streicher (Coordinating Lead Author) and Vincent van Karsbergen (Chapter Scientist and Lead Author), played a central role in the development of Chapter 3: Built environments and mobility (doi: 10.1553/aar2-ch3).
A report of national relevance
The AAR2 follows the structure, methods, and quality standards of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and provides a scientifically robust basis for decision-making in policy, administration, business, and civil society.
The report was compiled over more than three years, with contributions from over 200 scientists and reviewed in two public scientific review rounds by more than 100 external experts.
The final document spans more than 800 pages and is complemented by a Summary for Policymakers (SPM). A Technical Summary for expert audiences is currently being finalized and is scheduled for publication in July 2025.
Key contents of the AAR2 include:
- Climate change risks for Austria under various global warming scenarios
- Sectoral impacts on health, infrastructure, land use, biodiversity, water, and energy
- Options for emission reductions, adaptation, and long-term systemic transformation
- The need for regionally differentiated and cross-sectoral action
Chapter 3 "Built environments and mobility" highlights the specific challenges and opportunities in areas such as building stock, construction processes, mobility behavior, and infrastructure planning—providing a detailed analysis of the measures required to meet Austria’s climate neutrality goals.
The report has already received broad media coverage, including: