Switzerland ratifies the Kyoto Protocol
Bern, 09.07.2003 - Switzerland has today deposited its instrument of ratification of the Kyoto Protocol at the United Nations.
The Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations is submitting the Swiss ratification document for the Kyoto Protocol today, 9 July in New York. Switzerland is the 111th country to ratify the Kyoto Protocol. The agreement reached through the UN Climate Convention and the Kyoto Protocol is instrumental in reducing CO2 emissions and other greenhouse gases and combating global warming.
The Protocol sets down reduction goals for greenhouse gas emissions for all industrialised states. During the commitment period 2008 – 2012 the industrialised countries have to reduce their emissions by 5.2% compared with 1990. Switzerland and the EU have committed themselves to an 8% reduction. A large contribution to the reduction is expected in Switzerland in accordance with the provisions of the CO2 act from voluntary measures on the part of the economy and transport.
The Kyoto Protocol was adopted in 1997 within the framework of the UN Climate Convention and signed by Switzerland in 1998. In 2001 the Climate Conference in Marrakesh adopted the modalities for the implementation of the Protocol. The Swiss government then submitted the ratification to Parliament. The Council of States approved the ratification in December 2002 and the National Council in June 2003.
The Kyoto Protocol will enter into force as soon as it has been ratified by 55 States – inclu-ding industrialised countries which in 1990 were responsible for at least 55% of CO2 emissions from industrialised states. Switzerland's ratification means that 32 States, which in 1990 accounted for 44% of the emissions of industrialised countries, have now ratified the Protocol. It would just need the ratification of Russia or the USA for 55% of emissions to be accounted for.
Links
Publisher
Federal Office for the Environment FOEN
https://www.bafu.admin.ch/en
