Citizens launch initiative to combat global warming
Nobel Prize-winning scientist Jacques Dubochet is among a group of people launching an initiative calling for carbon dioxide emissions in Switzerland to be reduced to zero by 2050 – and for this to be set down in the Swiss constitution.
This content was published on
3 minutes
SDA-ATS/ilj
More than 100 people gathered at the foot of the Stein glacier on the scenic Susten PassExternal link on Saturday to mark the launch, the newly formed Swiss Association for the Climate Protection said in a statementExternal link. The glacier is a symbol of climate change, as it is disappearing before our very eyes, the group added.
According to the association, almost all the Alpine glaciers will have gone by the end of the 21st century and the melting away of the glaciers and of permafost carries the risks of flooding during the snow melt period, as well as rivers and streams running dry in the summer. The lack of snow has also consequences for the Swiss landscape and tourism industry, the statement added.
Targeting CO2
The “Glaciers Initiative” states that CO2 emissions must be eliminated by 2050, as set out in the 2015 Paris Accord – which aims to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius. Initiators say the move is necessary because not enough is being done in Switzerland to protect the environment and keep to the Paris Accord measures.
“We are the generation of climate deregulation and we want to put our planet back onto the right path,” said Dubochet, who won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 2017, in the statement.
Under Switzerland’s system of direct democracy, people’s initiatives allow citizens to propose changes to the constitution by introducing new provisions, or by amending or repealing existing provisions. But to go to the polls, it needs at least 100,000 signatures, gathered within 18 months.
Earlier this month, a leading Swiss glaciologist warned that Switzerland’s smaller glaciers were doomed, but that up to a third of ice stored in larger glaciers could be saved, if the Paris Accord is implemented.
Meanwhile, the Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich) has said that it is working on a new dynamic glacier inventory that makes the impact of climate change and the changing landscape more visible. It replaces previous inventories. “From 2019, Switzerland will for the first time be able to turn to a glacier inventory that will undergo dynamic further development and be completely renewed every four to six years,” a statement said.External link
More
More
Observing the ‘inexorable death’ of glaciers in real time
This content was published on
A new, dynamic glacier inventory makes the impact of climate change and the changing landscape visible.
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
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.
Read more
More
Swiss Nobel prizewinner Jacques Dubochet says fame is not easy
This content was published on
The Swiss winner of the 2017 Nobel Prize for Chemistry, Jacques Dubochet, says fame has opened doors for him, but is not always easy.
This content was published on
A happy and humble Jacques Dubochet reflected on his achievements in Lausanne, hours after learning he had won the 2017 Nobel Prize for Chemistry.
Scientist predicts 30% of Swiss glacier ice could be saved
This content was published on
If the Paris climate accord is implemented, up to one-third of all ice stored in larger Swiss glaciers could be saved, a top glaciologist predicts.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
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.