Climate scientist: more urgency needed over climate crisis
Climate change is causing extreme weather, also in Switzerland. A climate taskforce – like the Covid 19 science task force – makes sense, a leading Swiss climate scientist says.
This content was published on
2 minutes
SonntagsBlick/SWI swissinfo.ch/ilj
Humankind should get used to heatwaves, fires, torrential rain, landslides, flooding and bad harvests, Sonia Seneviratne,External link a professor at the Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich), has told the SonntagsBlickExternal link.
“We are sometimes experiencing events which we have never seen before. Climate change is happening now,” she said in an interview published on Sunday.
Not enough has been done to counter climate change. The concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is increasing – it reached its highest ever level in May – and the perspectives are not very encouraging, Seneviratne added.
Everyone, including Switzerland, has to take responsibility, the scientist explained. Action is needed now at all levels, also on fossil fuels. A 30% reduction at least in emissions over the next years, rising to at least 50% by 2030 would be the goal.
CO2 law fallout
Her comments come at a time of uncertainty in Swiss climate policy. On June 13 Swiss voters rejected the CO2 law, the legislation at the heart of the Swiss strategy to abide by the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
More
More
Swiss CO2 law defeated at the ballot box
This content was published on
Swiss voters have rejected legislation at the heart of the country’s strategy to abide by the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
Seneviratne pointed to the “Glacier Initiative” calling on the Swiss authorities to dramatically step up efforts to cut greenhouse gases by 2050 (which is currently waiting for feedbackExternal link from the government before a voting date is set) as an important next step. “It not only gives us a goal, but also details about how to get there. This is very important and if something that is missing at the moment,” Seneviratne told the newspaper.
The scientist agreed that the climate crisis should be treated like the coronavirus crisis, as the climate crisis was at a point “where very quick decisions need to be made”. A scientific climate task force, that acts as a bridge between science, politicians and decision-makers – like there is for Covid-19 – would be useful, she said. “There has to be more direct exchange,” Seneviratne said.
Popular Stories
More
Foreign affairs
Go to war or stay put? Ukrainian men in Switzerland face fresh dilemmas
Is reforming the Swiss pension system still possible, and if so, how?
Solutions still need to be found to meet the challenge of an ageing population and to improve the pensions of low-paid workers, the majority of whom are women.
Swiss Covid expert calls for caution on vaccination recommendations
This content was published on
The head of the vaccination commission would be “even more cautious today” when it comes to Covid-19 vaccination recommendations.
Researcher warns CERN projects face delays from Russia exclusion
This content was published on
A German researcher has warned that ending Cern's cooperation with Russian research institutes could have consequences for science.
Swiss to reduce administrative burden on farms from 2026
This content was published on
From 2026, the number of inspections of farms is to be reduced, without any loss of quality, said economics minister Guy Parmelin.
Swiss insurance boss proposes Singapore-style healthcare system
This content was published on
CEO of Swiss health insurer Sanitas has said that healthcare costs could be reduced if Switzerland were to follow the Singapore model.
Swiss minister talks crime and security in visit to the Netherlands
This content was published on
Swiss justice minister Beat Jans spent two days in the Netherlands discussing security, police cooperation and justice with international bodies.
Study finds more heavy metal detected in Swiss grassland
This content was published on
Copper and zinc can be expected to accumulate in the soil, particularly if farmyard manure is used for several years and is greater than the amount of nutrients absorbed by the grass. This was announced by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) on Friday. The findings are based on the results of the seventh National Soil Monitoring of Switzerland (Nabo).
Lilo Baur wins Swiss Grand Prix for performing arts
This content was published on
The Swiss actress and theatre director Lilo Baur has received this year's Swiss Grand Prix for Performing Arts, also known as the Hans Reinhart Ring.
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 set to vote on ‘Glacier Initiative’
This content was published on
Campaigners have handed in a “Glacier Initiative” calling on the Swiss authorities to dramatically step up efforts to cut greenhouse gases by 2050.
Parts of Switzerland on flood alert, more rain ahead
This content was published on
The Swiss capital Bern and some Alpine region lake areas are still on alert for possible flooding. More rain is expected next week.
Minister hails progress on environmental issues after West Africa trip
This content was published on
Environment Minister Simonetta Sommaruga has welcomed progress on environmental protection following a visit to Ghana and Senegal.
This content was published on
In general, temperatures were two degrees Celsius higher than the average measured between 1961 and 1990, the Swiss meteorological office reported at the official end of winter on Sunday. In some parts of Switzerland, temperatures fluctuated by more than 30 degrees in the space of a week as cold snaps were followed by warm spells.…
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.