Switzerland is on target for the first stage of climate protection

Bern, 24.10.2008 - The latest calculations by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) show that Switzerland can fulfil its international climate change obligations by the end of 2012. Switzerland should also be able to comply with its own guidelines in its CO2 Act.

In July 2003, Switzerland ratified the Kyoto Protocol and committed itself to making an active contribution towards climate protection. In the first stage between 2008 and 2012, it will reduce emissions of climate warming greenhouse gases (CO2, methane, nitrous oxide and synthetic gases) by 8% to below the level for 1990 (from 52.8 million to 48.6 million tonnes).

This objective will be achieved primarily by domestic measures. To complement this, Switzerland can, however, also support climate protection projects abroad in order to earn carbon credits. Finally, CO2 sequestered by tree growth in forests can also be used in the carbon budget (so-called "carbon sinks").

Focal point: reducing CO2 emissions

The main tool for achieving domestic climate targets is the CO2 Act, which remains in force until the end of 2012. It focuses on CO2 as the most important of all greenhouse gases and sets out to reduce emissions of this gas by 10% for the same period (from 40.9 to 36.8 million tonnes). The principal sources of CO2 emissions are transport, fossil-fuel heating systems and industry.

In order to cut CO2 emissions in these sectors, the Confederation introduced a CO2 tax on fuels and approved the private commercial Climate Cent charge on motor fuels, concluded agreements with the commercial sector, undertook energy action plans and is planning a bonus/malus system for cars.

How Switzerland can achieve its targets

The latest calculations from the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) indicate that Switzerland should achieve its national and international targets for the period 2008 to 2012. The FOEN based its model calculations on the most probable reference development, itself founded on current general economic conditions. Depending on the level of economic development, the final budget could turn out to be more positive or markedly more negative (see factsheet).

According to these assumptions, Switzerland will achieve its Kyoto Protocol objectives as follows:

Achieving the Kyoto Protocol objectives

Greenhouse gas emissions in million tonnes CO2 eq.

Emissions in the year 1990: 52.8 (million tonnes CO2 eq.)
Domestic reductions: -2.1
Foreign emissions certificates: -1.6
Carbon sequestration of Swiss forests: -0.7
Net emissions 2008 - 2012: 48.4
Target value Kyoto Protocol (-8% compared with 1990): 48.6
Reserve: 0.2

Also proving positive is the forecast CO2 Act budget (total of motor and other fuels), provided an extension to the existing agreement can be concluded with the Climate Cent Foundation.

Achieving the CO2 Act objectives

CO2 emissions in million tonnes

Emissions in year 1990 (climate-adjusted fuels): 40.9 (million tonnes CO2)
Domestic reductions: -2.2
Foreign emissions certificates: -1.6
Net emissions 2008-2012: 37.1
Target value CO2 Act (-10% compared with 1990): 36.8
Deficit: 0.3
Resolution of the Federal Council dated 20.02.2008, additional performances Climate Cent: -0.5
Reserve: 0.2

Increased exploitation of woodland reduces carbon sequestration

For the first time the calculations are based on the latest figures for the third national forestry inventory. This also takes into account the increased use of wood, and this growth is expected to continue in the coming years. This will reduce the carbon sequestration effect of the forests. The forecast carbon sequestration from 2008 to 2012 is expected to average 0.7 million tonnes of CO2. However, the increased use should also have a positive effect on Switzerland's carbon budget: increased use of wood will replace both heating oil and CO2-intensive building materials such as concrete and steel. The projected CO2 emissions in this sector are therefore expected to be lower.

Additional contribution to reductions by the Climate Cent Foundation

Back in February 2008, the Federal Council decided to use the reserves of the Climate Cent Foundation for compliance with the CO2 Act. Talks on this are in progress.

Address for enquiries

Paul Filliger, Climate Section FOEN, 031 322 68 58