Since 1996, average CO2 emissions from fuel had been falling, thanks to more use of biofuels. But this trend was reversed in 2017, according to a survey by the Tages-AnzeigerExternal link newspaper published on Tuesday. For the first time since statistics began in 1996, CO2 emissions from vehicles rose by 0.4% in 2017 and 3% in 2018, it found.
The increase can be explained partly by a fall in sales of diesel vehicles after the diesel emissions scandal that started in 2014. These vehicles emit more nitrogen oxide, but up to 15% less CO2 than petrol vehicles.
However, the increase is attributed mainly to a boom in sales of four-wheel drive vehicles, which consume on average 10% more fuel than the same vehicle with two-wheel drive. But 49% of new vehicles sold in Switzerland in 2018 had four-wheel drive.
Whatever the reason, this reversal of the trend goes against government climate targets set in 2015.
“If we do not reach the targets it’s because of lack of will in the sectors concerned but also lack of political will,” Social Democrat parliamentarian Jacques-André Maire told Swiss broadcaster RTS, calling on the government to take stronger action.
More
More
Swiss climate policy: praised abroad, attacked at home
This content was published on
According to an international ranking, Switzerland is one of the best-performing nations in the fight against global warming.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
Swiss rediscover communist zeal after 84-year hiatus
This content was published on
Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
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.