WWF Analysis: German Government Must Strengthen Soil Protection Measures

In a recent assessment, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has highlighted critical shortcomings in the German government's approach to soil protection within the new coalition's program comprised of the ÖVP, SPÖ, and Neos. The evaluation reveals that while there are some new initiatives, the overall response to soil protection remains inadequate and fails to meet the urgency of the issue.

The WWF identified 28 soil-relevant measures in the government's program, of which only seven were deemed to be positive advancements. The majority, totaling 17 measures, merely reiterate existing commitments without any substantial progress, while four initiatives were classified as outright negative.

According to Simon Pories, spokesperson for the WWF on soil protection, the government has acknowledged the importance of soil conservation multiple times within their program. However, he emphasized that there is a lack of clarity on how these goals will be achieved, indicating that significant improvements are necessary.

The WWF's analysis shows that soil consumption in Austria remains alarmingly high. In 2024, despite a slowing construction industry, approximately 25 square kilometers of land were newly consumed. Pories stated, "We will hold the coalition accountable for prioritizing soil protection. In light of the climate crisis, intact and undeveloped land is essential for our health, security, and quality of life."

Among the 28 measures evaluated, potential advancements could include enhanced spatial planning at the state level and proposed soil protection measures linked to financial equalization. Pories stressed that building on undeveloped land should no longer be incentivized, advocating for support for urban centers and infill development instead. He also called for financial incentives within the financial equalization and tax systems to facilitate this shift.

Additionally, the proposed 'development fee' could be a tool for active soil protection if allocated for purposes such as land de-sealing or re-zoning.

The WWF expressed concern over plans to promote road construction, which they view as a significant regression. New highways and expressways typically generate increased traffic, undermining both climate and soil protection objectives. For instance, the current environmental report suggests that the Lobau Highway could lead to the loss of around 130 hectares of agricultural land.

Moreover, the WWF is wary of the proposed acceleration of construction processes, warning that essential environmental standards may be compromised under the guise of simplification.

The latest statistics reflect that soil consumption is well above government targets. Over the last decade (2015-2024), Austria's average soil consumption has reached roughly 11 hectares per day. In the previous year alone, around 25 square kilometers of new land were developed, equating to a daily loss of nearly seven hectares of valuable green space and arable land, with approximately half of this area fully sealed. Pories pointed out that the extent of newly developed and sealed areas has not increased as sharply as in previous years, primarily due to a downturn in construction projects focused on new developments on 'green fields'.

He added that Austria, due to its unique alpine geography, should be particularly prudent in utilizing its finite land resources, emphasizing the persistent structural deficiencies in preventive soil protection.