Swiss Voters Back Cuts to Carbon to Tackle its Melting Glaciers
19th June 2023
Last modified on June 22nd, 2023
Voters in Switzerland have backed a new climate bill designed to cut the use of oil and gas. It aims to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
A referendun was held on Sunday with 59.1% of people supporting the government backed move.
The turnout was 42%.
Those against said it would harm the economy.
The new law is called the Federal Act on Climate Protection Targets, Innovation and Strengthening Energy Security.
It will require a move away from dependence on imported oil and gas towards the use of renewable sources.
We reported on the issue ahead of the referendum.
The government says the country needs to protect its energy security and the environment, as glaciers melt rapidly in the Swiss Alps.
Switzerland imports three-quarters of its energy, with all the oil and gas coming from abroad.
It comes as glaciers in the Alps are melting due to climate change.
The Alps as a whole is warming up significantly faster than the global average with Switzerland warming at double the global rate.
Mont Fort glacier, Verbier. Image © PlanetSKI
The new law 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.
Leading Swiss glaciologist Matthias Huss, who has closely followed the glaciers’ retreat, hailed the “strong signal” sent by Sunday’s vote, saying on Twitter that he was “very happy the arguments of climate science were heard”.
Socialist Party parliamentarian Valerie Piller Carrard said it was “an important step for future generations”.
“This victory means that at last the goal of achieving net zero emissions will be anchored in law. That gives better security for planning ahead and allows our country to take the path toward an exit from fossil fuels,” said Georg Klingler from Greenpeace Switzerland.
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 in the Alps include Hintertux in Austria, Zermatt in Switzerland and Les2Alps in France.
Here at PlanetSKI we are heading out to Hintertux this week where conditions are reported as good for the time of year after heavy snowfalls in April and May.
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