On June 9 and 10, the National Council will discuss the new CO2 Act, which is intended to set the course of Swiss climate policy for the coming years. Climate change is destroying the development prospects of millions of young people worldwide. We urgently need measures to avert the climate catastrophe and ensure climate justice. This is what we are calling for together with the Swiss Climate Alliance.
Poverty and inequality are increasing due to climate change. Millions of young people around the world are already feeling the consequences of global warming. Switzerland must assume its responsibility by making a fair and effective contribution to curbing the climate crisis. It is now up to Parliament to act now and not make future generations pay. As a member of the Swiss Climate Alliance, terre des hommes schweiz is therefore calling for the new Swiss CO2 Act:
1. targeted reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
The goal of reducing emissions must be in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, which Switzerland has ratified. Many European countries have decided to reduce their emissions even faster. The Climate Alliance is calling for a reduction in greenhouse gases in Switzerland of at least 60 percent by 2030 and to net zero emissions before 2040.
2. requirements for climate-friendly investments in the financial sector
The Swiss financial center boosts greenhouse gas emissions with loans and financing in the area of non-renewable energies (coal, gas, oil). Every year, we finance more than 20 times as many greenhouse gas emissions worldwide as are emitted in Switzerland. Incentives and framework conditions are therefore needed for the financial sector to invest more in sustainability and less in emission-driving projects.
3. fair air ticket taxes also for luxury classes and goods traffic
Those who have a greater impact on the environment should also pay more. Business and First Class passengers cause twice to three times as much CO2 emissions per passenger as Economy Class passengers due to the more spacious seating. They should therefore pay higher air ticket taxes. Air ticket taxes should also apply to transit passengers and goods traffic.
4. phasing out fossil heating systems and combustion engines
Transport is one of the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases in Switzerland. We therefore need to move away from fossil fuels quickly. The new law must include targeted CO2 guidelines for new cars.
In addition, when replacing heating systems in old buildings, care must be taken not to continue relying unnecessarily on fossil fuels. CO2 limits are needed when replacing heating systems.
5. climate protection as part of the environmental impact assessment
Climate protection must be taken into account when planning major infrastructure projects. These will remain in place for decades and must logically take into account their impact on the climate and guarantee compatibility with climate targets.
Photo: Flickr.com/Scotland By Camera – CC BY 2.0 | Changes Samuel Rink
