The Vienna Climate Council consists of three boards that collaborate in different constellations. Together they combine backgrounds of science, administration, business, political parties, environmental organisations and civil society. In total, the council has more than 40 members. They are assigned by the mayor for a period of four years.
The advisory board with leading experts in science and research functions as the spokesbody. It advises representatives of the Steering Group, consisting of the mayor and executive city councillors, on challenges and possible measures in the climate context. In advance, it discusses its recommendations with the other two boards.
The Vienna Climate Council operates independently.
Role of the Vienna Climate Council
- advising and supporting key figures in Vienna from the fields of politics, administration, business, and civil society regarding the further development of effective climate policies for Vienna;
- assessing Vienna’s climate policy performance;
- engaging with the latest developments in urban climate policy through dialogue with relevant organisations at the local to international level;
- identifying initiatives, projects, and programmes to achieve Vienna’s climate policy goals and strategic consulting on these;
- deepening dialogue and transparency in Vienna’s climate policy, as well as creating a platform for creative stakeholder dialogue and for the development of climate-related alliances;
- supporting Vienna in positioning itself within the Austrian and European climate discourse.
History
The Vienna Climate Council was established at the end of 2019. Conferences of the council take place twice a year. The tenth anniversary was celebrated in May 2025.
Since April 2025 the Vienna Climate Council is legally enshrined in the Vienna Climate Act. Additionally, the council has its own rules of procedure that where last amended in autumn 2025.
