Switzerland has dropped one spot, to 15th, in an annual league table that ranks countries according to their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate experts have blamed the failure of the CO2 law at the ballot box.
This content was published on
3 minutes
Keystone-SDA/SRF/WWF/SWI swissinfo.ch
The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI)External link was released at the COP climate conference in Glasgow on Tuesday and looked at performance of around 60 countries who are responsible for more than 90% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.
German environmental NGO Germanwatch, which compiles the report, said first three rankings were empty as no country performed well enough. Denmark came top overall for 2022. Overall, Scandinavian countries did well, with Sweden and Norway following.
Among the categories measured, Switzerland did well in the Emissions and Energy Use categories, and was ranked medium in Renewable Energy. Where it fell down was in Climate Policy, where it dropped 11 places.
CO2 law failure
“The CCPI experts evaluated the failed CO2 Act as insufficient for reaching the net zero target. They urge the government to enact a more ambitious law as soon as possible,” the CCPI saidExternal link of Switzerland’s performance.
They were referring to the country’s CO2 law, which was rejected by 51.6% of voters in a national ballot in June 2021.
The law was to help the country halve its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, as set out under the Paris Climate Agreement. It would have included a surcharge on diesel and petrol, as well as a tax hike and a levy on plane tickets.
More
More
Swiss CO2 law defeated at the ballot box
This content was published on
Swiss voters have rejected legislation at the heart of the country’s strategy to abide by the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
In terms of international policy, CCPI experts acknowledged Switzerland’s “proactive role at the international diplomatic level in promoting transparency and mitigation” but requested “a higher financial contribution to public climate finance, and strengthening of Switzerland’s engagement in loss and damage”.
Reaction
In reaction, the NGO WWF Switzerland said that Switzerland’s contribution to maintaining a stable climate “is currently practically zero”, As a rich country, “it must and can do more,” its climate expert Patrick Hofstetter said in a statementExternal link.
“Massive expansion of solar power production, a strict domestic climate target by 2030, rapid replacement of oil and gas heating with climate-friendly alternatives -these steps in cantonal and national climate policy are urgently needed – and highly topical,” he added.
In September the government said it plans to present a new revision of the CO2 law before the end of the year which is unlikely to contain any new taxes to fight climate change.
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
Swiss government outlines details of new CO2 bill
This content was published on
The government plans to present a new revision of the CO2 law before the end of the year - most likely without new taxes to fight climate change.
Switzerland urges greater climate commitment at COP26
This content was published on
Swiss President Guy Parmelin calls on countries to renew efforts to meet climate goals as outlined by the Paris Agreement.
Can Switzerland credibly call for ‘ambitious strategies’ at COP26?
This content was published on
Switzerland will push for all countries to commit to limiting global warming to 1.5°C at the COP26 conference that starts on October 31.
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.