Simonetta Sommaruga signs the work of graffiti artist Zeinixx at the Maison des Cultures Urbaines during a working visit in Ouakam, Dakar.
Keystone / Anthony Anex
Environment Minister Simonetta Sommaruga has signed a climate agreement with Senegal, the third such agreement to compensate for CO2 emissions under the Paris Agreement.
Switzerland signed corresponding international agreements with Peru and Ghana around six months ago. The agreements allow Switzerland to offset CO2 emissions by financing projects in the partner countries.
“It is a great pleasure to celebrate the signing of the treaty,” Sommaruga told the media in Dakar on Tuesday. Senegal and Switzerland were now jointly at the forefront of developing new standards for bilateral agreements under the Paris Climate Agreement, she said.
More
More
Switzerland signs Paris climate agreement
This content was published on
“Signing this agreement is more than just a symbolic gesture. We are saying yes to a world that will gradually leave the fossil fuel era behind it,” said Leuthard. She added that Switzerland plans to ratify the Paris Agreement by the end of 2017. The environment minister called for innovation to create a green economy…
Senegal had been hit hard by climate change, said Environment Minister Abdou Karim Sall, adding that the country was also focusing on renewable energy. For example, it had built the largest wind farm in West Africa. With investments from Switzerland, biogas plants are being installed on farms in Senegal, reducing the consumption of firewood and charcoal.
Outside the climate agreement, Senegal is one of the priority countries in the Swiss government’s Sub-Saharan Africa Strategy (2021 to 2024)External link. Switzerland intends to further expand the existing partnership, particularly in the areas of sustainability and digitalisation.
On Tuesday the Swiss delegation will travel to Accra, the capital of Ghana, where talks will focus on the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement.
Popular Stories
More
Climate adaptation
Why Switzerland is among the ten fastest-warming countries in the world
Living longer: What do you think about the longevity trend?
The longevity market is booming thanks in part to advances in the science of ageing. What do you think of the idea of significantly extending human lifespan?
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 scientists reveal the complex craft of prehistoric tattooing
This content was published on
An international research team led by the University of Bern has analysed tattoos on a Siberian glacial mummy that is over 2,000 years old.
Swiss National Bank posts CHF15 billion loss in first half of the year
This content was published on
The Swiss National Bank (SNB) slipped into the red in the first half of 2025 due in particular to the weakening US dollar.
Exiled Russians criticise visit of sanctioned Russian politicians to Geneva
This content was published on
Around 200 Russian opposition figures have sent an open letter protesting the presence of sanctioned Russian politicians in Geneva.
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
‘Pioneering’ Swiss government approves climate deal with Peru
This content was published on
The Swiss government has approved a deal that establishes a framework for some of Switzerland’s CO2 emissions to be offset through projects in Peru.
Switzerland signs another climate offset deal with Ghana
This content was published on
The agreement will help to reduce the Alpine nation’s greenhouse gas emissions by contributing to sustainable projects in the African country.
This content was published on
The climate crisis requires policies that transcend national boundaries and set aside short-term self-interest, says climate expert Jürg Staudenmann.
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.