With just five months left in 2019, humanity has already consumed more than the planet can sustainably produce in one year. The Swiss use over twice as much.
Over the past 20 years, Earth Overshoot Day has moved up two months to July 29, the earliest ever, according to the Global Footprint NetworkExternal link. “This means that humanity is currently using nature 1.75 times faster than our planet’s ecosystems can regenerate, equivalent to 1.75 Earths,” notes the international sustainability organization.
According to WWF, food consumption in Switzerland is responsible for 19% of greenhouse gas emissions and 28% of private environmental pollution. Those who eat meat just three times a week can reduce their ecological footprint by a fifth in the area of food, suggests WWF.
CO2 emissions and compensation
WWF also cites the popularity of air travel as a major contributor to CO2 emissions; it says people in Switzerland fly about three times as much as other Europeans.
However, according to newspaper Le Matin DimancheExternal link, the Swiss have been contributing more to CO2 emission-compensation schemes. In the first half of this year, they donated around 400% percent more than in the same period last year.
On Sunday the newspaper cited data from Swiss CO2-compensation organization myclimateExternal link, which generated total revenues of CHF1.6 million ($1.61 million) in 2018. The money supports projects in Switzerland as well as 22 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
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What difference can a can make?
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We’ve crunched a few numbers showing how a small country like Switzerland can have a big impact when it comes to things like cans and cigarette butts.
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.
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.
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Can Nestlé source Peruvian palm oil without deforestation?
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Palm oil cultivation is booming in Peru, boosting the income of small farmers who supply food giant Nestlé with the product.
Swiss government seeks to reduce its carbon footprint
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The government has decided on a set of measures aimed at reducing the number of short- and medium-haul flights and more energy-friendly cars.
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Switzerland’s Minergie label for sustainable construction is booming for new buildings in the German-speaking part of the country.
Climate warming is global and fast, say Swiss experts
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Swiss scientists have discounted allegations that the current climate change is a recurring phenomenon in the history of mankind.
Swiss fuel-related CO2 emissions remained stable in 2018
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Despite an increase in the use of biofuels and electric vehicles, fuel-related carbon dioxide emissions remained unchanged in 2018 in the country.
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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.