The Swiss voice in the world since 1935

Climate rallies take place across Switzerland 

climate demo in lausanne
This is the fifth day of action since the beginning of the year demanding urgent government action to combat climate change. Keystone

Rallies demanding climate action have been again taking place across Switzerland as part of a worldwide “climate strike” led by young people. 

More than 20,000 people in 25 cities and towns have been attending, according to the Swiss news agency. This included over 10,000 in Zurich and around 4,000 in canton Bern.

Overall, the turnout was down on previous such days of action, of which there have been five since the beginning of the year.  

In Lausanne, for example, police estimated a turnout of some 4,500 people when the march set out, compared with around 10,000 in previous demonstrations. Slogans included “the snow must go on” and “escape to Mars or save the planet!”. 

In Geneva, the rally drew some 2,500 people compared with 5,000 at the previous “climate strike” on March 15. They set off chanting: “It’s a crime against humanity, one, two, three degrees!” 

Apart from possible fatigue, the lower turnout could be partly due to examinations taking place at secondary school level.  

Previous climate strikes have attracted tens of thousands of participants across the country.  

Demonstrations are planned in some 30 locations across Switzerland on Friday, mainly in the afternoon. 

This is part of a fresh “climate strike” across the world, with rallies organised in 1,263 towns in 107 countries, according to Swedish student Greta Thunberg who initiated the movement. “Activism works, so let us act,” she said in a video posted on Twitter.  

More
​​​​​​​

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

News

Lakes in Central Switzerland have the best bathing water quality

More

Lakes in Central Switzerland have best water quality for bathing

This content was published on Anyone who swims in a lake in Central Switzerland need have no fear of infection from intestinal bacteria. The water samples taken at 65 bathing sites in 13 lakes all have good to excellent bathing water quality.

Read more: Lakes in Central Switzerland have best water quality for bathing
Historic ring stolen from Basel museum

More

Historic Russian ring stolen from Basel museum

This content was published on Unknown assailants have stolen a historic ring from a Basel museum. The stolen item was a gift from Russian Tsar Alexander I to his host in Basel in 1814.

Read more: Historic Russian ring stolen from Basel museum
Ceasefire drives stock markets higher

More

Ceasefire drives stock markets higher

This content was published on The ceasefire in the Iran-Israel war has visibly eased tensions on the financial markets. The SMI, Switzerland's leading stock market index, has risen above the 12,000 point mark again.

Read more: Ceasefire drives stock markets higher
Swiss stick to tipping in cash

More

Swiss stick to tipping in cash

This content was published on The vast majority of Swiss people tip in restaurants – and preferably in cash. However, there are regional differences.

Read more: Swiss stick to tipping in cash

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

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.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR