Facts & Figures

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Changing climate About 29 billion tons of carbon dioxide were emitted into the atmosphere worldwide in 2006. Oceans and forests can only absorb around half of these emissions. Keystone

Changing climate CO2 levels are today about 25% higher than at any other time in the past 650,000 years. The average American accounts for 20 tons annually, compared to 6.73 tons for each Swiss and only 0.5 tons for a Senegalese. Keystone

Changing climate Temperatures rose globally by 0.74°C between 1906 and 2005. In Switzerland, they are rising much faster at 1.4°C. Keystone

Changing climate The layer of permafrost that binds mountain surfaces, is expected to thaw as a consequence of hotter summers. Keystone

Changing climate There are still around 2,000 glaciers in the Swiss Alps, covering 2.5% of Switzerland's total land area. A rise in temperature of 2.1°C would be sufficient to melt 1,436 glaciers or 17% of the total mass. Reuters

Changing climate There are 666 medium to large ski areas across the Alps. If temperatures rise by 1°C, the survival of 166 will be threatened. If temperatures rise by 2°C, the number rises to 266. With a 4°C increase, there could only be 200 left. Keystone

Energy consumption Oil consumption in Switzerland increased in 2008 by 3.7% compared to 2007, while gas rose by 6.1% and coal dropped by 9.8%. These three non-renewable energy sources accounted for 68% of Swiss energy needs in 2008. Keystone

Energy consumption Electricity consumption in Switzerland increased by 2.3% in 2008 to a record 58.7 billion kilowatt hours (kWh). Keystone

Energy consumption Electricity produced from renewable sources (hydroelectricity, solar-, wind power etc) increased by 14.5% in 2007, accounting for 55.6% of domestic electricity production. Reuters

Goals and measures Switzerland can only meet its targets to reduce CO2 emissions by 10% compared to 1990 levels if carbon sinks are taken into account and the government purchases international emissions certificates. Keystone

Goals and measures The government is setting a binding target to reduce greenhouse gases by 2020 by at least 20% in comparison with 1990 levels. Keystone

Goals and measures Emission reduction measures include a C02 tax on heating fuel, regulations on car emissions and a possible petrol tax. Keystone

Goals and measures Switzerland's revised Energy Act stipulates that electricity production from renewable sources must be increased to at least 5.4 billion kilowatt hours by 2030. Keystone

Goals and measures To finance the cost-covering remuneration for green energy, consumers pay a SFr0.45 surcharge on each kilowatt hour. Keystone

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Everything you always wanted to know about the climate in Switzerland.

Changing climate: US government, Swiss research institutes, national weather office, SwissMeteo
Energy consumption: Swiss government (Energy Office)
Climate goals: Swiss government (Energy Office, Federal Environment Office)

All images: Keystone, Reuters