Hundreds of school students took to the streets across Switzerland on Friday to protest against climate change – and in particular the recently rejected revised Swiss CO2 law.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/SRF/ilj
The protest, that took place in the capital Bern, plus Zurich, St Gallen and Basel, was organised by an independent youth movementExternal link, that is not affiliated to any parties or organisations. It was inspired by the Swedish youth activist, the 15-year-old Greta Thunberg, who recently spokeExternal link at the UN climate conference (COP24External link) in Poland. She has organised school strikes in Sweden.
A further prompt was the decision by the House of Representatives to water down – and then reject – an amended law on carbon dioxide emissions during the recent winter session.
More
More
Refusal to act on climate change slammed as shortsighted
This content was published on
Environment Minister Doris Leuthard calls on the Swiss parliament to put party politics behind to find solution on global warming.
The government wanted to ensure that Switzerland adhered to the decisions of the Paris climate accord aimed at limiting a further rise in temperatures worldwide.
Future fears
“It has become clear to us that politicians are not reacting to the climate crisis,” said Zurich pupil Jonathan Daum in a statement, quoted on the Swiss news agency Keystone-SDA.
Keystone-SDA estimated that there were more than 1,000 demonstrators in Bern. In St Gallen around 300-400 students protested at the Cantonal School Burggraben. Too little is being done about climate change, one of the protestors told Swiss public radio SRFExternal link. The pupils explained that they were afraid of what the future holds.
The school’s headmaster said that while he had understanding for the protest, in general the school did not want strikes.
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.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
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
This content was published on
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.
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
COP24: Text adopted, ambitions abandoned
This content was published on
Youth representatives of the Swiss Youth for Climate had front row seats at the COP24 climate negotiations. They were not impressed by the outcome.
Swiss promise more support at UN climate conference
This content was published on
Switzerland is prepared to up its contribution to the fight against climate change to the tune of $120 million (CHF119.6 million).
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.