Major Problems Facing Austria in the 21st Century

Austria is a well-developed European country with relatively few major problems. However, in the past, most major concerns have been environmental and energy-based. For years, the need for fossil fuels and natural gas has plagued Austria. Although some fossil fuels occur naturally in Austria, the country’s use far exceeds their supply. In order to help solve this problem, Austria has created plans and restrictions such as the Regional Energy Action Plan. In addition, air pollution (which leads to acid rain) has been a leading problem in Austria for decades. The increased use of cars and fossil fuels has led to an increase in nitric and sulfuric oxides as well as other air pollutants (“Chapter 7,” par. 3). In the 21st century, Austria will continue to face environmental issues, including acid rain, wetland destruction and deforestation, and the need for more electricity and fossil fuels will continue to add to the country’s energy problems; the government must both promote...