The International Commission for the Protection of the Alps (CIPRA) is concerned about the development of hydroelectric power plants in protected ecosystems.
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Órgão de proteção dos Alpes critica projeto hidrelétrico suíço
In an interview with the Südostschweiz newspaper on Monday, CIPRAExternal link president Kaspar Schuler said the Swiss parliament had lost all sense of proportion. The Alpine Convention, a sustainability treaty drawn up by the eight Alpine countries, is being flouted, he claimed.
He referred to the decision by the Senate last autumn to allow the construction of renewable energy power plants in biotopes of national importance. Schuler warned that the decision could put the high valleys in canton Graubünden such as the Madris, Curciusa and Greina in danger.
Schuler said 95% of Switzerland’s waterways are dammed up or developed. He noted that projects already in the pipeline offer possibilities for expansion, for example by raising the level of reservoirs. Despite the alternatives available “power companies prefer new, large-scale facilities”, he criticised.
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
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The Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), Swissinfo's parent company, must restructure due to financial pressures and to stay competitive in the fast-moving media environment.
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There has been a sharp decline in the consumption of single-use disposable plastic bags and reusable plastic bags in the Swiss retail sector.
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A biometric Swiss identity card (ID) is expected to be available in Switzerland by the end of 2026. The Federal Office of Police and its federal and cantonal partners are working on a new ID card that features a chip.
Heatwave reduces output at Swiss nuclear power plant by 50%
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The ongoing heatwave has forced the Beznau nuclear power plant, which relies on water from the River Aare, to halve its output.
Swiss continue to enjoy high social mobility, study shows
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Opportunities for upward social mobility have remained intact in Switzerland since the 1980s. Social mobility is exceptionally high by international comparison, a study shows.
Swiss government affected by cyberattack on health foundation
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Switzerland says a ransomware attack on the non-profit health foundation Radix that involved data being stolen and encrypted had also affected the federal administration.
Federal Council agrees to investigation into alleged Swiss-Russian spying affair
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The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland can open spying investigations into the Swiss Federal Intelligence Service (FIS).
Appeal launched against Starlink satellite antennae project planned in Swiss village
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A group of Swiss citizens has filed an appeal against plans to install 40 Starlink satellite antennae in the mountain village of Leuk in southern Switzerland.
UBS launches buyback scheme for up to $2 billion in shares
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UBS is starting a share buyback programme for up to $2 billion (CHF1.6 billion) in shares, in line with a plan approved at its annual general meeting (AGM) in April, the Swiss bank said on Monday.
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Swiss hydropower prepares for future energy shortage
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The severe drought in Europe has hampered hydroelectric output across the continent. What is the impact on Switzerland, the water tower of Europe?
Mountaintop solar farms spark tensions in Switzerland
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Building large solar parks in high-mountain regions is arguably an effective way to produce more power in winter. But it remains highly controversial.
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If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.