Just weeks before the UN Climate Conference COP30 in Belém, Austria’s Minister of Agriculture, Norbert Totschnig has frozen funding for international climate projects. Civil society organizations warn this sends “a fatal signal” to Austria’s partners and undermines global efforts for climate justice.
“By rolling back climate action, the Minister makes himself co-complicit in droughts, floods, and crop failures – also here in Austria,” says Lukas Wank, Executive Director of AG Globale Verantwortung.
The umbrella organization and its members — including Caritas Austria, Hilfswerk International, horizont3000, and others — call on the government to release the promised funds and reaffirm Austria’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and the Development Policy Programme 2025–2027.
From reforestation and sustainable agriculture to water projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America, these initiatives safeguard livelihoods and reduce CO₂ emissions. Their suspension endangers long-term partnerships and the credibility of Austrian climate diplomacy.
Austrian farmers who participated in climate exchange projects with partners in Argentina express concern about the government’s withdrawal.
“A Styrian alpine pasture and soy production in Argentina are directly connected – what we do here affects there, and vice versa,” says Alois Kiegerl, cattle farmer from Styria.
“When small-scale farming is strengthened worldwide, everyone benefits,” adds Alexandra Kiegerl. “It’s the key to tackling the twin crises of climate change and food security.”
Read more: Klimaschutzminister schwächt internationalen Klimaschutz – fatales Signal vor COP 30
The upcoming UN Climate Conference COP30 in Belém, Brazil, marks a historic return of international climate negotiations to a democratic space in the Global South – and to the heart of the Amazon region, crucial for the planet’s climate balance.
For the first time in years, a People’s Summit organized by Latin American civil society will bring together more than 10,000 participants from around the world, creating a powerful space for global climate action and solidarity.
The Austrian Alliance for Climate Justice (Allianz für Klimagerechtigkeit) calls on the Austrian Government to actively support an ambitious and fair advancement of the international climate regime.
Key Demands of the Austrian Alliance for Climate Justice
Comprehensive climate protection: Support an EU-wide 2040 target of at least 90% emission reduction — achieved within the EU, not through offsets.
Fossil phase-out: Commit to ending fossil fuel use and subsidies, while tripling renewable energy and doubling energy efficiency by 2030.
Adaptation & resilience: Prioritize financing for local and conflict-affected regions and ensure equitable access to the Loss and Damage Fund.
Fair climate finance: Announce Austria’s contribution toward the global USD 300 billion climate finance goal (NCQG) by 2030, primarily through grants.
Inclusive participation: Safeguard civil society space at UNFCCC events and ensure equal participation of women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, and people with disabilities.
Policy coherence: Align domestic agricultural, financial, and trade policies with the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework on International Tax Cooperation.
Read more: Austrian Alliance for Climate Justice – COP30 Positions
As part of a project funded by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management (BMLUK), Alerta Amazônia! illustrates the positive impact of Austrian climate action abroad — showing how international cooperation can foster awareness, resilience, and solidarity across continents.
Have a look: Alerta Amazonia Website
