Switzerland has adopted a strategy to reduce net carbon emissions to zero by 2050. In addition to reducing emissions within Switzerland and turning to more renewable energy sources, up to 25% of emissions cuts can be made abroad.
This includes helping other countries to reduce their CO2 footprint. Switzerland has signed deals with Peru (a world first), followed by Ghana, and then laid the ground for a similar cooperation with Senegal.
Thailand is the fourth country to show concrete interest in such a partnership – made possible by a clause in the 2015 Paris Agreement.
However, such carbon offsetting ventures have been met with criticism in some quarters. In particular, critics are wary that countries within such an arrangement could each claim the emissions reductions.
A Swiss government statement on Friday said that climate projects in Thailand should avoid such double counting. In addition: “It must also be ensured that climate activities abroad respect nature conservation and human rights and contribute to sustainable development.”
Related Stories
Popular Stories
More
Demographics
Roger Federer is not eternal, but he changed tennis forever
Over 6,000 apprenticeships remain unfilled in Switzerland
This content was published on
By mid-August, which is the start of the Swiss school year, some 6,400 apprenticeship vacancies remain, mainly in the construction, catering and machinery industries.
Japanese film Tabi to Hibi wins Golden Leopard at Locarno
This content was published on
The Japanese film Tabi to Hibi by director Sho Miyake won the Golden Leopard, the top prize in the international competition, on the final day of the Locarno Festival.
Switzerland could produce up to 5Mt of emissions annually by 2050
This content was published on
Two to five megatonnes of CO2 equivalents per year: this is the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that Switzerland is still expected to produce annually in 2050, a new study shows.
US tariffs putting 100,000 jobs at risk in Switzerland
This content was published on
US tariffs of 39% on Swiss imports will directly affect 100,000 jobs, mainly in the watchmaking, machinery, metals, and food industries, economiesuisse warns.
This content was published on
Switzerland has released CHF4 million (nearly $5 million) to help Sudan, which has been severely affected by famine and cholera.
Switzerland rejects new Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory
This content was published on
Switzerland says it rejects the announced construction of thousands of housing units in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian West Bank.
Larry Finck and André Hoffmann named interim co-chairs of WEF board
This content was published on
The WEF also revealed an investigation commissioned by the board has cleared its founder Klaus Schwab and his wife of accusations made by anonymous whistleblowers.
Vice-president of German parliament in favour of Switzerland joining EU
This content was published on
The vice-president of the Bundestag says his country should support closer ties between Switzerland and the European Union given the customs conflict with the United States.
Lindt & Sprüngli reportedly considering shifting Easter bunny production to US
This content was published on
Swiss chocolate manufacturer Lindt & Sprüngli could relocate the production of its gold-wrapped Easter bunnies to the US in order to circumvent the import tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
Swiss petition launched against curbing 30km/h speed limit
This content was published on
The Traffic Club of Switzerland (TCS) has submitted a petition to the Federal Chancellery, challenging the 30km/h speed limit on local roads.
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-Peruvian climate deal pioneers international cooperation
This content was published on
Switzerland and Peru have become the first signatory states to conclude an international carbon offsetting deal under the Paris climate agreement.
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.
Environment minister: climate strategy is ‘feasible and affordable’
This content was published on
The government has signed off on a strategy it says will enable Switzerland to reduce net carbon emissions to zero by 2050.
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.