On 9 and 10 June, 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.
Climate change is increasing poverty and inequality. Millions of young people around the world are already feeling the effects of global warming. Switzerland must assume its responsibility by making a fair and effective contribution to curbing the climate crisis. Parliament now has it in its hands: act now and not let future generations pay. As a member of the Climate Alliance Switzerland demands terre des hommes schweiz for the new Swiss CO2 law:
1. targeted reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
The goal of reducing emissions must comply with the Paris Climate Convention, 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 per cent by 2030 and to net zero emissions before 2040.
2. conditions for climate-friendly investments in the financial sector
The Swiss financial centre boosts greenhouse gas emissions with loans and financing in the field of non-renewable energies (coal, gas, oil). In this way we finance over 20 times as many greenhouse gas emissions worldwide each year as are emitted in Switzerland. Incentives and framework conditions are therefore needed for the financial sector to invest more in sustainability and less in emissions-driving projects.
3. fair air ticket taxes also for luxury classes and goods traffic
Those who pollute the environment more should also pay more. Business and First Class passengers cause twice to three times as many CO2 emissions per passenger as Economy Class passengers due to the more generous seating. They should therefore pay higher air ticket taxes. Air ticket levies should also apply to transit passengers and goods traffic.
4. phasing out fossil heating systems and internal combustion engines
Transport is one of the biggest sources of greenhouse gases in Switzerland. We therefore need to move away from fossil fuels as quickly as possible. The new law must provide targeted CO2 guidelines for new cars.
In addition, when replacing heating systems in old buildings, care must be taken not to continue to rely 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 included in the planning of large infrastructure projects. These will remain in place for decades and must logically take into account effects on the climate and guarantee compatibility with climate targets.
Photo: Flickr.com/Scotland By Camera - CC BY 2.0 | Changes Samuel Rink
