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
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.
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
Swiss town rejects surveillance cameras at train station
This content was published on
Vevey does not want the station area to be monitored by cameras. In a vote held on Sunday, the population rejected a plan to install 44 cameras in the area in order to combat street dealing.
Palestine demo broken up at Israel-Switzerland basketball match
This content was published on
Around 150 pro-Palestine activists tried to force their way into Switzerland's match against Israel at the U-19 World Cup in Lausanne.
Swiss foreign minister: ‘EU was only given what was necessary’
This content was published on
After negotiating hard on the package deal with the European Union and finding a balance, Switzerland gave the EU only what was needed, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said on Saturday.
Passenger dies in helicopter crash on Swiss glacier
This content was published on
A helicopter crashed in the Fusshörner region on the Oberaletsch Glacier in canton Valais on Saturday afternoon. The passenger in the helicopter, which was carrying three people, died.
Abbot of Saint-Maurice steps down following sex abuse report
This content was published on
Jean Scarcella has decided to step down as Abbot of Saint-Maurice in the Swiss canton of Valais, the abbey announced on Saturday.
Philipp Matthias Bregy named new president of Centre Party
This content was published on
Valais National Councillor Philipp Matthias Bregy is the new President of the Centre Party. The delegates elected him as the successor to Gerhard Pfister on Saturday in Bern without discussion.
Global call for active neutrality launched from Geneva
This content was published on
A number of players have launched a worldwide appeal for active neutrality in Geneva at a time when the major powers are taking a tougher line. The city is competing with Vienna to attract an international congress on this issue in 2026.
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.