Federal Council plans to cut greenhouse gases by at least 20 per cent
Bern, 24.02.2010 - The Federal Council is joining the Copenhagen Accord negotiated at the World Climate Conference in Copenhagen. It has informed the UN Climate Convention Secretariat of Switzerland's aim to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 per cent by 2020. In addition, the Federal Council has decided to increase its commitment to the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
In the view of the Federal Council, the World Climate Conference in Copenhagen at the end of 2009 was an important step towards an effective climate agreement. At its weekly session on 24 February 2010 it agreed to join the Copenhagen Accord. In addition, it has informed the Secretariat of the Climate Convention of Switzerland's targets for reducing greenhouse gases by 2020.
The country plans to cut its emissions by 20% from 1990 levels. This target is in line with that of the EU. If other industrialised countries and emerging economies also announce substantial efforts to cut their emissions, Switzerland will raise its target to 30%. The definitive decision on the size of the reduction target lies with the Swiss parliament.
Environmental funds to be replenished
One of the key channels for environmental finance is the Global Environment Facility (GEF). With the money paid into the facility the GEF makes grants to developing and transition countries for projects of clearly defined benefit for the global environment. Around one-third of GEF funding is earmarked for climate-related schemes. Switzerland has contributed since 1991 to the GEF, which is topped up every four years. The fifth replenishment is due in 2010: negotiations will take place in March. In the GEF Council Switzerland represents a constituency consisting of the Central Asian states and Azerbaijan.
The Federal Council has agreed to the commencement of international negotiations on the 5th replenishment of the GEF and has authorised the Swiss delegation to offer CHF 132 million for the period 2010-2014. Switzerland is thus increasing its commitment by 50 per cent. The size of this contribution is based on the formulae used by the World Bank's development fund (IDA, International Development Association) and on the sums donated by comparable European countries.
After the negotiations the Federal Council will submit a funding proposal to the Swiss parliament. The proposal will cover not only contributions to the GEF but also the Swiss contribution to the Ozone Fund and the Climate Convention's two climate funds.
Through its increased commitment in these areas Switzerland is consolidating its position in international climate and environmental policy. The extent to which Switzerland may go even further in contributing to climate funding, in the ways discussed at the UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen, will be discussed by the Federal Council at a later date.
Address for enquiries
Thomas Kolly, Head of the International Affairs Division, FOEN, tel. +41 79 828 48 45
Karine Siegwart, Head of the Europe, Trade and Cooperation on Development Section, FOEN, tel. +41 79 687 11 68
Publisher
Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications
https://www.uvek.admin.ch/uvek/en/home.html
