Speaking at the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, on Monday, Parmelin said that global warming has already reached critical levels.
“A child born in my country today will experience four times as many extreme [climate] events in their life as their grandparents. This child will experience five times as many heat waves as I experienced”, he told global leaders. “As an Alpine country, Switzerland is particularly affected by climate change.”
Parmelin, who holds the rotating Swiss presidency this year, referred to melting glaciers and permafrost that are making Alpine ranges unstable.
“We have to get back on the road to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees, we have to establish robust rules for implementing the agreement, and finally raise the funds to make our common goal a reality,” said Parmelin.
“Today Switzerland reaffirms its commitment to halve its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 in line with the scientific recommendations. Switzerland has also committed to climate neutrality by 2050.”
More
More
Climate solutions
Switzerland’s ‘disappointing’ contribution to an emissions-free planet
This content was published on
If all countries had a climate policy like Switzerland’s, global temperatures could rise by 4°C by the end of the century.
However, Switzerland has been criticised for not going far enough in its commitments. If all countries follow Switzerland’s path, the planet’s temperature could rise by four degrees Celsius by the end of the century, some critics contend.
Parmelin said Switzerland would continue to contribute additional millions of francs to funds that finance climate change projects in developing countries.
The planet has already warmed up by around 1.1 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels. In Paris, six years ago, the international community agreed to limit global warming to a maximum of two degrees, preferably 1.5 degrees.
So far, the plans submitted by most countries are widely criticised for going nowhere near far enough to achieving this goal.
External Content
Related Stories
Popular Stories
More
Swiss Politics
Blatten: what price for preserving Swiss mountain life?
Zurich authorities want ‘no taxpayer money for terrorists’
This content was published on
Zurich cantonal parliament has voted against recognising the state of Palestine. However, it provisionally supported a motion calling for “no taxpayers' money for terrorists”.
Swiss mechanical firms struggling since before Trump
This content was published on
Swiss mechanical engineering companies are said to be one of the main victims of Donald Trump's high tariffs. However, the industry has been struggling for years.
SNB head warns of side effects of negative interest rates
This content was published on
The Swiss National Bank (SNB) takes a critical view of the reintroduction of negative interest rates. "We are aware that the negative interest rate can have undesirable side effects, for example for savers and pension funds."
EU reports 400,000 asylum applications in first half of year
This content was published on
The number of new asylum-seekers within the European Union and Switzerland and Norway fell significantly in the first half of the year.
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
Green hydrogen vies for centre stage in climate change fight
This content was published on
As world leaders come under growing pressure to tackle climate change, green hydrogen is gaining traction as an important part of the solution.
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.
Climate threats: living in the shadow of a crumbling mountain
This content was published on
At the popular Alpine resort of Kandersteg, villagers live with the threat of the nearby Spitzer Stein mountain tumbling down.
Switzerland’s ‘disappointing’ contribution to an emissions-free planet
This content was published on
If all countries had a climate policy like Switzerland's, global temperatures could rise by 4°C by the end of the century.
Is Switzerland double-dealing over climate finance?
This content was published on
Switzerland wants to boost investment in climate protection for developing countries. But reports allege it may be lobbying for the opposite.
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.