Climate change protesters from various groups convened in Bern, Switzerland, on Saturday, urging for reforms to current climate change legislation ahead of an imminent national election. The demonstration saw an estimated crowd of over 60,000 concerned citizens, particularly alarmed about the intensifying impact of agriculture and fossil fuels on the environment. The demonstrators claimed that the Swiss government’s efforts to curb climate change remain lackluster. More about the protest can be read here.
In June, the Swiss administration proposed a long-term climate strategy aimed at net-zero emissions by 2050. This goal was democratically approved by Swiss voters in 2021, but the critics argue there is a gulf between the stated objectives and actual steps taken in this direction. The strategy comprises 10 underlying principles, intended to guide the nation’s climate policy and establish industry-specific climate targets in fields such as architecture, transport, and aviation. This comprehensive plan also includes balancing negative emissions through carbon dioxide capture—a point underlined in the European Green Deal from the European Commission.
Unfortunately, according to Climate Action Tracker, Switzerland performs poorly across almost all key areas of climate action. The platform suggests “substantial improvements” are required for Switzerland to succeed in limiting global warming to 1.5°C. If passed, the CO₂ Succession Act could represent a major boost to the country’s overall climate action rating and aid significantly in managing carbon emissions.
The urgency for such reforms couldn’t be more imminent, given Switzerland’s record-breaking temperatures last September and a concerning 10% shrink of the country’s glaciers within just two years. The need for immediate and effective action was echoed by environmental parties, like the Green Party, during Saturday’s protest. They urged the public to back them in the upcoming elections, as they currently have no representation in government.
Finally, it should be noted that the current Swiss climate legislation is not set to take effect until 2025.