Switzerland was responsible for the emission of 46.2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2019, the Federal Office for the Environment said on Monday.
That was almost 300,000 tonnes fewer than in 2018 and 14% less than in 1990, the reference year for international climate goals. However, as predicted, it wasn’t enough to meet the country’s official 2020 targets, set at a 20% reduction of 1990 levels.
In the building and construction sector, emissions remained stable in 2019, at 34% less than in 1990, the environment office said. The harsh winter might well have led to a rise, it said, but thanks to better energy efficiency of buildings, this didn’t happen.
Industry and transport sector emissions also remained stable (14% down and 1% up on 1990 respectively). For the latter, a positive impact of more energy efficient vehicles on the road has been offset by the increased amount of travel, the environment office said.
Agriculture emissions fell slightly on the previous year and are now around 12% down on 1990 levels.
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Switzerland misses its emissions targets
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Why won’t Switzerland meet its climate targets set for 2020?
The environment office said stronger measures were still needed in order not to miss the next set of targets. Under international agreements Switzerland is to halve its 1990 emissions by 2030 and become climate neutral by 2050.
On June 13, voters will have their say on just such measures: a CO2 law ratified by parliament last year which foresees various new rules, including levies on fuel, taxes on airline tickets, and stricter standards for buildings.
The law, which is a key component of the country’s larger long-term climate strategy, was challenged to referendum by an interparty committee representing economic sectors including the petrol industry, transport and aviation, and construction.
Almost all political parties, as well as other segments of the economy, are in favour of the CO2 law. On Monday, launching its campaign ahead of the June vote, the Economiesuisse business federation called it a “good Swiss compromise package”.
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Environment minister: climate strategy is ‘feasible and affordable’
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The government has signed off on a strategy it says will enable Switzerland to reduce net carbon emissions to zero by 2050.
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Algerian to face trial in Switzerland for ties to Islamic State
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A 51-year-old Algerian man has been charged by the Swiss Federal Prosecutor's Office for involvement in the banned terrorist group.
Sylvain Saudan, ‘skier of the impossible’, dies aged 87
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The Swiss father of extreme skiing pioneered descents from the Alps to the Himalayas – and became the sport’s first star.
Hayek family buys additional Swatch shares for nearly CHF11 million
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Following the acquisition of registered shares worth over CHF20.6 million on Monday, the Hayek family made another purchase on Tuesday.
Suicide capsule to be used in Switzerland this year, says euthanasia organisation
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The organisation “The Last Resort” has confirmed that the suicide capsule Sarco is to be used in Switzerland. This should happen this year, it said.
Ukrainian children flown to Switzerland for cancer treatment
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The Swiss air rescue service Rega flew two Ukrainian children with cancer to Switzerland from a hospital in Kyiv hit by Russian missiles.
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Can coronavirus help the environment?
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Less smog over China, clearer canals in Venice, better air quality in parts of Switzerland – how much is due to coronavirus measures?
Switzerland to become climate neutral by 2050, says government
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Switzerland should become climate neutral by 2050, the Swiss government has declared. It has tightened its target based on new IPCC findings.
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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.