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.”
Young undocumented migrants gain easier access to vocational training
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Rejected asylum-seekers and young undocumented migrants in Switzerland will have easier access to basic vocational training from June 1.
Migration: Swiss government wants to shorten reunification period for families
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Family members of people temporarily admitted to Switzerland should in future be able to join them after two years instead of three.
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The main concerns of business leaders in Switzerland are geopolitical uncertainty and the important trading partners Germany and China.
Record organ donation in Switzerland despite high rejection rates
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Seven years after the death of record-breaking Swiss mountain climber Ueli Steck, his estate is going to the Alpine Museum of Switzerland in Bern.
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Swiss-Peruvian climate deal pioneers international cooperation
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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
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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’
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The government has signed off on a strategy it says will enable Switzerland to reduce net carbon emissions to zero by 2050.
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Switzerland has moved up two places in an annual league table that ranks countries by efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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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.