This is according to the Global Footprint Network, an ecological think-tank based in the US, which calculates the dates at which national populations have consumed more resources than nature can regenerate in a single year.
The first country this year to overshoot the mark was Qatar, on February 9; Sao Tome and Principe is expected to reach its limit on December 27. By reaching its limit on May 11, Switzerland is within a week of Germany, France, Italy, Japan, and New Zealand reaching their overshoot day.
Last year, Switzerland’s day fell a bit earlier, on May 8. The Global Footprint Network said it was still too difficult to say whether or how much the Covid-19 pandemic, and related restrictions, played a part in this year’s results.
According to the study methodology, “the Ecological Footprint is derived by tracking how much biologically productive area it takes to provide for all the competing demands of people”. A country’s imports and exports are also factored into the final calculation.
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Swiss CO2 emissions: Small country, big footprint
The much-lauded Swiss quality of life has a dark side – namely levels of consumerism and convenience that jack up the national carbon footprint.
The Network has not said when the global average overshoot day is set to fall in 2021. Last year, it was on August 22. The date has been creeping steadily backwards: in 1970 it fell in December but by 2000 it had regressed to September.
On June 13, Swiss voters will have their say on a new CO2 law ratified by parliament last year, which foresees various new rules on sustainability, 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 a 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, while initial polls have – so far – indicated broad public support.
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Swiss climate strategy to be decided at the ballot box
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On June 13, Swiss voters will have the last word on a key pillar of the country’s climate change strategy – the new CO2 law.
Switzerland condemned for deciding to deport gay Iranian
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Switzerland violated the prohibition on inhuman treatment by considering that a gay Iranian could be returned to his country.
Gestational diabetes found to increase risk of adult-onset diabetes
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A research team from the Lake Geneva region has identified persistent dysfunctions in glucose regulation in women with gestational diabetes. In the long term, this can increase the risk of adult-onset diabetes by up to ten times.
Swiss village must be evacuated by midday on Sunday
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The village of Brienz-Brinzauls in eastern Switzerland, which is threatened by a rockfall, must be evacuated by 1pm on Sunday. All residents must leave the village.
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A former judge of the Graubünden Administrative Court in eastern Switzerland has been found guilty of rape, sexual harassment and threatening a former trainee.
Costs and care time increase in Swiss retirement and nursing homes
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In 2023 the costs of retirement and nursing homes increased by 5% compared to 2022 and those of assistance and care at home by 7%. Together, they amounted to CHF15 billion.
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Almost half of the population in Switzerland shows clear to pronounced signs of smartphone addiction, according to a survey.
Swiss healthcare stakeholders want to save CHF300 million
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The main players in the Swiss healthcare sector want to save around CHF300 million ($340 million) in healthcare costs a year from 2026.
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Consumers spent 11.3% more on food and beverages in brick-and-mortar shops last year than they did in 2019, for a record food retail trade turnover.
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