The average temperature climbed to 7.4 degrees Celsius last year from an average 5.8 degrees between 1991 and 2020, the Swiss environment ministry reported on Monday.
This resulted in glaciers losing six percent of their mass – or three cubic kilometres – which is the fastest melt recorded in one year.
More
More
Global warming caused 60% of Swiss heat deaths in summer 2022
This content was published on
Human-made global warming was responsible for around 60% of Swiss heat deaths last summer.
A string of sweltering temperatures saw a reading of 38.3 degrees in Geneva in August. Only the heatwave of 2003 saw hotter daily temperatures.
Several lakes saw water levels fall to record lows while other watercourses and springs dried up before being revived by late summer rainfall.
More
More
Switzerland risks seeing another record glacier melt in 2023, says glaciologist
This content was published on
The year 2023 looks set to be another bad one for Swiss glaciers, with snow cover around 30% below the average of the last ten years.
A total of 131 forest fires were reported, which is above the recent annual average of 109.
The months of May until September witnessed 474 heat-related deaths, which is the worst death toll since the 1,402 in 2003.
More
More
Climate change: Swiss cities combat heat islands
This content was published on
Local authorities across Switzerland are planting trees, replacing asphalt surfaces with green ones or installing misting systems.
The figures were released on the same day as the Geneva-based World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) reported concerns at high sea temperatures and the loss of Antarctic ice.
The WMO could not predict the impact of El Niño on the rising temperature patterns.
More
Debate
Hosted by:
Patricia Islas
What can be done to protect people against the effects of heatwaves?
In many parts of the world people are increasingly suffering from intense heat. How do you cope with the rising temperatures?
Has your continent reached its peak or is there still potential for economic growth?
Some regions of the world are on an upward trajectory with the promise of a steadily improving future. Where do you live? And in which direction is your region or continent developing?
Swiss citizens will also participate in flotilla against Gaza blockade
This content was published on
Swiss citizens are also taking part in the worldwide flotilla that intends to break the sea blockade in Gaza. The Waves of Freedom Association (WOFA) plans to leave with five boats loaded with baby milk powder and water filters.
Switzerland commemorates Italian partisans who died escaping fascists
This content was published on
Italian partisans tried to flee to Switzerland in October 1944. However, two died and a third was injured in a hail of bullets between their fascist pursuers and Swiss border guards in Ticino. They are now commemorated by so-called stumble stones.
Switzerland follows the EU with new sanctions against Russian oil
This content was published on
Switzerland is stepping up its sanctions against Russia in the context of the war in Ukraine. The measures are aimed at Russia's oil windfall. The European Union (EU) approved the same package of sanctions, the 18th since the start of the war, in mid-July.
Swiss government makes a case for e-ID ahead of referendum
This content was published on
The electronic-ID is secure and easy to use and its use is voluntary and free of charge: these are the arguments the government made in its campaign for a 'Yes' vote on the e-ID Act slated for September 28.
Switzerland trials muzzles and electric harps against Asian hornets
This content was published on
Scientists have fitted several beehives in Cornol in canton Jura with electric harps and muzzles to electrocute and stop Asian hornets.
Record number of fawns saved by Swiss drone volunteers
This content was published on
Thousands of fawns were saved from the blades of mowers thanks to volunteers equipped with drones with thermal imaging cameras.
This content was published on
Houses and flats became more expensive again in the first half of the year. In the second quarter of 2025 in particular, momentum increased across Switzerland due to high demand and low interest rates.
Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof receives first Locarno City of Peace Award
This content was published on
The new award was created to strengthen Locarno’s role as a symbol of dialogue and peaceful coexistence, and to mark the centenary of the 1925 Locarno Treaties – a crucial milestone in twentieth-century European diplomacy.
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
Switzerland risks seeing another record glacier melt in 2023, says glaciologist
This content was published on
The year 2023 looks set to be another bad one for Swiss glaciers, with snow cover around 30% below the average of the last ten years.
This content was published on
July 2022 in Switzerland was one of the hottest since measurements began in 1864, according to the weather service of the national broadcaster.
Greenpeace warns of global warming impact in Switzerland
This content was published on
The environmental organisation, Greenpeace, has warned that Switzerland is more affected by global warming than the global average.
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.