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.”
Most over-65s in Switzerland regularly use the internet
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The digital divide is narrowing faster than expected in Switzerland. A study published on Wednesday reveals that nine out of ten over-65s use the internet.
Will Swiss president be forbidden from speaking English to counterparts?
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Switzerland's president, Karin Keller-Sutter, should use one of the country's four national languages when communicating with international organisations, and not English, according to a motion that passed on Wednesday.
Canton Valais gives CHF10 million to Blatten after devastating landslide
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Canton Valais is releasing CHF10 million ($12.1 million) in emergency funds for the mountain village of Blatten, which was wiped out by a devastating glacier collapse last week.
Elderly Swiss-Tunisian man held in prison in Tunisia
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An 81-year-old Swiss-Tunisian dual national is being held in a Tunisian prison. The former manager of the UN refugee agency UNHCR was arrested a year ago, according to Amnesty International.
Major traffic jams expected in Switzerland for Whitsun weekend
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Long traffic jams can be expected near the Gotthard Tunnel, the main north-south transalpine route in Switzerland, on Friday and Saturday afternoons due to the Whitsun holiday.
Swiss defence minister launches probe into alleged spy links with Russia
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Swiss Defence Minister Martin Pfister has launched an investigation into the alleged disclosure of sensitive information by the cyber division of the Federal Intelligence Service to Russia.
PFAS-contaminated meat still sold in eastern Switzerland
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Meat containing excessive levels of toxic PFAS "forever chemicals" produced by farms in canton St Gallen is still being sold.
Violations in Gaza by ‘both sides’ must be condemned, says Swiss minister
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Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis has admitted that Israel is failing in its obligations by hindering humanitarian aid to Gaza.
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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.