Swiss Set to Vote On New Climate Law
15th June 2023
Last modified on June 19th, 2023
A referendum takes place this Sunday on whether to pursue zero carbon. With glaciers melting and the ski season threatened it is expected the country will go for being carbon neutral. NEW
A ‘Yes’ vote would ensure that a new law would commit Switzerland to cutting its dependence on imported oil and gas, and to expanding local greener energy policies.
Switzerland imports around three-quarters of its energy, with all the oil and gas it uses coming from outside the country.
Polls suggest 63% of voters are in favour of the move.
It would lead to Switzerland becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
Switzerland’s glaciers have been severely damaged by warmer global temperatures and the situation and predictions make sorry reading:
The Alps as a whole is warming up significantly faster than the global average with Switzerland warming at double the global rate.
The proposal is called the Federal Act on Climate Protection Targets, Innovation and Strengthening Energy Security.
It is a compromise drawn up by the government to stop environmentalist voting for a total ban on oil and gas.
The government has agreed a CHF3.2 billion (£2.93 billion) climate action package.
The money will be spent on several initiatives:
- Subsidising a network of alpine photovoltaic plants.
- The replacement of fossil fuel heating systems with sustainable alternatives.
- The insulation and renovation of buildings.
Supporters of the so-called ‘Glacier Initiative’ say the new measures go some way to satisfying their demands for Switzerland to stand by the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.
Switzerland’s major parties support the bill, except the right-wing Swiss People’s Party, SVP.
It is urging people to reject the bill saying it will harm the economy.
SVP is the largest party in Switzerland.
Here at PlanetSKI we’ll let you know the result when it is announced.
Whatever the result it could have a significant impact on the winter and summer ski season.
Mont Fort glacier, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI
Last summer the melting of the glaciers and warm temperatures caused many resorts to curtail their summer skiing and snowboarding.
We reported on it at the time on PlanetSKI.
Les2Alpes in France was forced to shut early.
Another French resort, Val d’Isere, didn’t even open its Pisaillas glacier area last summer.
Neighbouring Tignes shut early.
Zermatt in Switzerland, usually open year-round, also shut.
Then Fonna in Norway:
Currently the open glaciers i the Alps include Hintertux in Austria, Zermatt in Switzerland and Les2Alps in France.
Here at PlanetSKI we are heading out to Hintertux next week where conditions are reported as good for the time of year after heavy snowfalls in April and May.
PlanetSKI logo
