Climate activists have begun a 21-day journey, walking the 224 kilometres from Geneva to Bern. In the Swiss capital they will hand the federal authorities a petition demanding that Switzerland respect the 2015 Paris climate agreement.
In the face of climate change the time has come for action rather than endless discussions, stressed the four initiators of the Marche BleueExternal link (Blue March), university professor Julia Steinberger, lawyer Irène Wettstein, infectious diseases specialist Valérie D’Acremont and the director of aid centre CSP Vaud Bastienne Joerchel, before they set off on Saturday.
Not combating climate change would have serious consequences for health, food and biodiversity, and the most vulnerable would be the first to be affected, they said. Today, countries are far from respecting the greenhouse gas emission reduction objectives of the Paris Agreement, and Switzerland is no exception.
Instead of a warming of 1.5°C compared to the beginning of the industrial era, we are heading towards a rise in temperature of 3.2°C, noted local councillor and head of the Green Party in Geneva Alfonso Gomez in his speech to the marchers. Reversing the curve would require drastic measures, he said.
More
More
Switzerland plummets down international climate rating
This content was published on
Switzerland has fallen seven places to 22nd in the annual Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI).
During their journey from Geneva to Bern, the walkers will meet local politicians, businesspeople and associations. Theme days are also planned: in Lausanne the mobility of tomorrow will be discussed, in Neuchâtel agriculture, and in Fribourg the economy.
Arriving at the federal parliament in Bern, they will hand over to the authorities a petition demanding that Switzerland commit to a much more ambitious policy of reducing its CO2 emissions from fossil fuels.
The Blue March started at the Place des Nations in front of the UN in Geneva and headed to Mies, in canton Vaud. Some 500 people had registered for this first stage. The rainy and windy weather discouraged some of them. About 150 participants are expected, on average, during the other stages.
More
More
Elderly Swiss women bring European court’s first climate case
This content was published on
A group of Swiss women have taken their government to Strasbourg over what they claim is its failure to take stronger action on climate change.
Has your continent reached its peak or is there still potential for economic growth?
Some regions of the world are on an upward trajectory with the promise of a steadily improving future. Where do you live? And in which direction is your region or continent developing?
Swiss president kicks off National Day celebrations on Rütli meadow
This content was published on
Several hundred people gathered on the Rütli in central Switzerland at midday on Friday to celebrate the national Swiss holiday, before Karin Keller-Sutter addressed the crowd.
US sets deadline for Novartis and other pharma firms to lower prices
This content was published on
US President Donald Trump says he has sent letters to Swiss giant Novartis and other pharma firms calling for lower drug prices in the United States – or face retaliation.
Around 25,000m3 of rockfall registered in Swiss village of Brienz
This content was published on
More rock has come loose in the eastern Swiss village of Brienz than initially assumed following rainfall last weekend, said a new situation report published on Friday.
Swiss government reacts with ‘great regret’ to new US tariffs
This content was published on
The Swiss government says it will continue to strive for a negotiated solution after the United States imposed 39% tariffs on the Alpine country.
Switzerland testing AI tools to make scarecrows more effective
This content was published on
The Swiss agricultural research centre Agroscope is testing an AI system to more effectively prevent damage to agricultural crops caused by crows and rooks.
UN in Geneva calls for reform of tariffs on plastics
This content was published on
The United Nations is calling for a reform of customs tariffs on plastics, which are lower than those imposed on alternatives, ahead of negotiations for a treaty to limit plastic pollution.
Two robots play hide-and-seek in space with Swiss help
This content was published on
Robots developed separately have worked together at the International Space Station (ISS) for the first time, helped in part by a control centre in Switzerland.
Giant Swiss flag torn by the wind at the foot of mountain
This content was published on
A giant Swiss flag tore as it was rolled out on a grassy slope at the foot of a mountain ahead of August 1 National Day celebrations.
Swiss think it’s vital that other people reduce CO2 emissions
This content was published on
A majority of Swiss believe it’s important to avoid emissions in their everyday lives, although fewer are likely to back up their views with action.
This content was published on
Switzerland has moved up two places in an annual league table that ranks countries by efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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.