Cluster: Science

Greens challenge official forest policy

This content was published on Oct 14, 2005 The move comes amid plans by the government to cut public subsidies and focus its forest policy on improving the efficiency of the timber industry. Signed by more than 115,000 people, the initiative “Save the Swiss Forests” was launched by the renowned environmentalist, Franz Weber, and was handed in to the federal chancellery in Bern…

Climate solutions

Green groups sound alarm over floods

This content was published on Oct 7, 2005 But the cabinet this week dismissed accusations that it is not providing sufficient funds for prevention efforts. Criticism from various quarters has mounted since floods hit Switzerland in late August, causing SFr2 billion ($1.6 billion) in damage and leaving six people dead. Environmental groups argue that the main problem lies in the fact that responsibility…

Climate solutions

Global warming could threaten ocean life

This content was published on Sep 29, 2005 The findings reveal that coral and plankton in the waters around the southern polar region are far more at risk to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions than previously thought. Scientists from Bern University’s Climate and Environmental Physics department took part in the international project. It measured the chemical changes in the Southern Ocean caused by the…

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Village digs out one month after flood

This content was published on Sep 22, 2005 swissinfo took stock of the situation in Oey, a village in the Bernese Alps devastated by the natural disaster. A steady stream of military vehicles and heavy trucks rumble up and down the road, sending swirls of dust into the air. My first impression is of a village ravaged by war, and not one that…

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Drawing the lessons of August’s floods

This content was published on Sep 21, 2005 The floods and landslides caused by torrential rains swamped homes and destroyed roads and railway lines, cutting many villages off from the outside world. Pictures of helicopters plucking people from rooftops and houses buried in mud went round the world. In total, six people died. A few of the worst hit villages are still digging…

Climate solutions

Forests are healthy but suffer from stress

This content was published on Sep 12, 2005 They are growing in surface area every year but pollutants, dry weather, storms and bark beetles are sources of major stress for them. The report, presented on Monday in Bern, was compiled by the Swiss environment agency and the Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research. The authors of the report say there is…

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Clear-up operations begin in flooded areas

This content was published on Aug 25, 2005 As the floodwaters receded on Thursday, and the clear-up operation got underway in earnest the extent of the damage became clearer. Buildings are being inspected for damage and repairs are taking place as the total cost of the severe weather is estimated at up to SFr2 billion ($1.6 billion). Six people are reported dead or…

Climate solutions

Criticism stirs up flood waters

This content was published on Aug 24, 2005 The United Nations disaster reduction agency said warnings were inadequate, while the WWF Switzerland said the practice of forcing rivers into “straitjackets” had made flooding more likely. Most cantons have failed to take any action since 1991 when a federal hydraulic engineering law was introduced demanding the introduction of measures to prevent flooding. The 14-year-old…

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Flooding remains critical as death toll rises

This content was published on Aug 23, 2005 The main north-south traffic links remained suspended due to the bad weather but officials expect the situation to improve gradually later this week. Rescue officials recovered two bodies in the small town of Brienz in the Bernese Oberland and the village of Dürnten in the Zurich Oberland region on Tuesday. The victims were killed when…

Climate solutions

Matte residents get that sinking feeling

This content was published on Aug 23, 2005 The River Aare is now flowing through the alleys of this old part of the city and the water has reached the first floor of many houses. Japanese tourists jostle with Bernese schoolchildren and other curious onlookers on the Kirchenfeld bridge to catch a glimpse of the flooded Matte, usually buzzing with small trade activity.…

Cluster: Science

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Cluster: Science

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Greens challenge official forest policy

More

Green groups sound alarm over floods

More

Global warming could threaten ocean life

More

Village digs out one month after flood

More

Drawing the lessons of August’s floods

More

Forests are healthy but suffer from stress

More

Clear-up operations begin in flooded areas

More

Criticism stirs up flood waters

More

Flooding remains critical as death toll rises

More

Matte residents get that sinking feeling

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