Expertise: Climate, energy, environment, migration and human rights. Initials: lj
A journalist from Ticino resident in Bern, I write on scientific and social issues with reports, articles, interviews and analysis. I am interested in environmental, climate change and energy issues, as well as migration, development aid and human rights in general.
Switzerland’s climate finance: What’s a ‘fair share’? It depends who you ask
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A recent study suggests Switzerland is already contributing beyond its “fair share” towards helping poor countries deal with the climate crisis. Yet environmental groups like Greenpeace and Alliance Sud see things differently.
More heat pumps and less oil: how the Swiss heat their homes
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The proportion of homes with a heat pump in Switzerland is higher than the European average. However, oil still heats more than a third of buildings.
Switzerland to call for climate finance contributions from China and Russia at COP29
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Switzerland wants the biggest CO2 emitters such as China and Russia to offer financial help to poorer nations combating climate change.
Swiss experiment targets forest drought, a driver of climate change
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Climate change and droughts are transforming forests and reducing their ability to absorb CO2. Which tree species are suitable for the climate of the future? A unique Swiss experiment is seeking answers.
Swiss women’s climate lawsuit reverberates in South Korea
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After a landmark climate court decision in South Korea, older citizens are demanding more ambitious climate targets. There are strong links to a similar legal case involving Switzerland.
Thawing permafrost decoded by breakthrough Swiss research
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For the first time a research team in Switzerland has measured how much of the Alpine permafrost has thawed. This helps scientists understand how climate change is affecting mountains’ permanently frozen ground.
Climate solution for the future: How to keep cities cool during heatwaves?
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How can hot summers be made more tolerable for city-dwellers? SWI swissinfo.ch asked an expert at the federal technology institute ETH Zurich.
How to protect people and places from landslides in Switzerland
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Warning systems and protective barriers can prevent the worst, but drastic solutions are being suggested to cope with the increasing risk of natural disasters.
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Biodiversity loss in the Alpine nation is above the world average, and over a third of animal and plant species are endangered. Can the trend be reversed?
Why Switzerland is diverging from Europe on a key energy treaty
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The EU will withdraw from the ECT, a treaty that protects investments in coal and oil. Why is Switzerland going its own way, and what could happen next?
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Every time we book a hotel online, stream a movie or make a video call, data centres worldwide consume a lot of energy and water. A label launched in Switzerland wants to reduce the centres' energy impact.
Swiss gravity battery contributes to China’s energy transition
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How can excess electricity produced by the sun and wind be prevented from being lost? A gravity battery developed in Switzerland stores renewable energy in heavy blocks of material.
‘Governments need to address the climate crisis, not the courts’
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Legislative bodies in Europe should pay close attention to the historic verdict of the ECHR against Switzerland, says an expert.
Why Switzerland is not the best at recycling waste
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Switzerland has one of the highest municipal waste recycling rates in Europe, at least for aluminum and glass. However, most plastic is burned. A new initiative aims to reverse the trend.
Landmark ruling: Switzerland’s climate policy violates human rights
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The European Court of Human Rights says the Swiss authorities are responsible for not implementing efficient climate change policies and for violating the right to life of a group of elderly women.
Science and diplomacy: two Swiss strengths help anticipate tomorrow’s world
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Scientific anticipation in diplomacy and Switzerland's contribution to solving major global problems were the focus of a SWI-hosted panel discussion.
Effects of 1.5°C global warming in Switzerland and beyond
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In 2024 we could exceed 1.5°C global warming for the first time. Here are the possible consequences for life on the planet.
What is your country doing to protect you from the impacts of climate change?
The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that Switzerland violated its citizens’ fundamental rights by not taking enough climate action. Do you think your right to a healthy environment is being respected?
Price, quality, origin: which factors influence whether you buy imported products?
By importing certain products, consumers in rich countries contribute to deforestation in tropical regions. Is it possible to consume while still respecting the environment? Let us know what you think in the comments below. From the article How consumers in rich countries drive global deforestation
Should raw milk sales be banned or should consumers decide?
Swiss food regulations do not allow raw milk to be sold for direct consumption. However, a loophole allows 400 raw milk vending machines to do just that.