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.”
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Switzerland’s ‘disappointing’ contribution to an emissions-free planet
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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.
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Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
Switzerland abstains from vote on Palestinian bid for full UN membership
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On Friday, Switzerland abstained from the vote at the General Assembly on granting the Palestinians new rights at the United Nations (UN).
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
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The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
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The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
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The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
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Green hydrogen vies for centre stage in climate change fight
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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?
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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
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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?
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Switzerland wants to boost investment in climate protection for developing countries. But reports allege it may be lobbying for the opposite.
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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.