With just five months left in 2019, humanity has already consumed more than the planet can sustainably produce in one year. The Swiss use over twice as much.
Over the past 20 years, Earth Overshoot Day has moved up two months to July 29, the earliest ever, according to the Global Footprint NetworkExternal link. “This means that humanity is currently using nature 1.75 times faster than our planet’s ecosystems can regenerate, equivalent to 1.75 Earths,” notes the international sustainability organization.
According to WWF, food consumption in Switzerland is responsible for 19% of greenhouse gas emissions and 28% of private environmental pollution. Those who eat meat just three times a week can reduce their ecological footprint by a fifth in the area of food, suggests WWF.
CO2 emissions and compensation
WWF also cites the popularity of air travel as a major contributor to CO2 emissions; it says people in Switzerland fly about three times as much as other Europeans.
However, according to newspaper Le Matin DimancheExternal link, the Swiss have been contributing more to CO2 emission-compensation schemes. In the first half of this year, they donated around 400% percent more than in the same period last year.
On Sunday the newspaper cited data from Swiss CO2-compensation organization myclimateExternal link, which generated total revenues of CHF1.6 million ($1.61 million) in 2018. The money supports projects in Switzerland as well as 22 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
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What difference can a can make?
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We’ve crunched a few numbers showing how a small country like Switzerland can have a big impact when it comes to things like cans and cigarette butts.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
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As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
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After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
Swiss study: insects mainly migrate at midday and dusk
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A study led by the Swiss Ornithological Institute in canton Lucerne is helping to better understand the movement patterns of migratory insects.
Red Cross: 22 staff killed in Middle East since October
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The Red Cross and Red Crescent network in Gaza and Israel has lost 22 staff members since last October, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) said on Wednesday.
Dortmund’s Kobel is first Swiss goalie in Champions League final
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Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel has achieved history by becoming the first Swiss goalkeeper to reach a Champion’s League final.
University students in Switzerland join Gaza protest wave
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Pro-Palestinian activists occupied university buildings in Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich on Tuesday, widening the protest movement in the Alpine nation.
TradeXBank to resume full operations after Sberbank Switzerland taken off sanctions list
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TradeXBank, the former Swiss branch of Russia’s Sberbank, will be able to resume its dollar-denominated activities from the second half of this year.
Geneva decides not to remove controversial memorials
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The city of Geneva has presented an action plan regarding a series of controversial local statues and monuments of historical figures linked to racism, colonialism or slavery.
University of Lausanne calls for end to pro-Palestine sit-in
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The pro-Palestinian occupation continues at the University of Lausanne (UNIL). On Monday evening, a group of students refused to agree to the deadline set by the rectorate.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
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Can Nestlé source Peruvian palm oil without deforestation?
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Palm oil cultivation is booming in Peru, boosting the income of small farmers who supply food giant Nestlé with the product.
Swiss government seeks to reduce its carbon footprint
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The government has decided on a set of measures aimed at reducing the number of short- and medium-haul flights and more energy-friendly cars.
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Switzerland’s Minergie label for sustainable construction is booming for new buildings in the German-speaking part of the country.
Climate warming is global and fast, say Swiss experts
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Swiss scientists have discounted allegations that the current climate change is a recurring phenomenon in the history of mankind.
Swiss fuel-related CO2 emissions remained stable in 2018
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Despite an increase in the use of biofuels and electric vehicles, fuel-related carbon dioxide emissions remained unchanged in 2018 in the country.
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If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.