Climate crisis may cost Swiss infrastructure CHF1 billion a year
Higher temperatures, irregular rainfall and drier summers are already reducing the output of nuclear and hydroelectric power plants.
Martin Ruetschi
Damage to roads and railways caused by global heating, and the consequences for hydro- and nuclear power plants, could cost up to CHF1 billion ($1 billion) a year, says a government report.
Rising temperatures will require investment in roads that can withstand heat. Damage caused by low temperatures will decrease. In the rail sector, extreme temperatures will require a reduction in train speed, which could result in expensive delays.
Higher temperatures, irregular rainfall and drier summers are already reducing the output of nuclear and hydroelectric power plants. The authors of the report estimate that by 2050, the energy sector will lose hundreds of millions of francs in revenue. In the medium term, the impact on transport and energy sector can cost up to CHF1 billion francs per year. However, the authors acknowledged that there are considerable gaps in knowledge and that the forecasts must be treated with caution.
DETEC also announced a “Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan” to ensure protection of public infrastructure. Risks related to climate change will be taken into account in spatial planning. A research program to improve the knowledge base is also planned.
Switzerland’s environment and energy minister Simonetta Sommaruga, who was present at the event, said that reducing CO2 emissions remains at the heart of national and international climate policy.
More
More
How climate change affects Switzerland
This content was published on
On average, Switzerland is about 1.9° Celsius hotter now than in 1864. Where and by how much have temperatures most drastically changed?
Uri voters clear path for hotel and marina complex in central Switzerland
This content was published on
Voters in canton Uri in central Switzerland have rejected a Green Party initiative aimed at regulating the development of the lakeside site in Isleten.
Valais voters reject plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040
This content was published on
Voters in canton Valais in southern Switzerland have turned down a proposal for the region to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040.
Swiss central banker wants to boost equity to head off risks
This content was published on
Equity levels at the Swiss National Bank (SNB) are much too low for the risks its large balance sheet poses, according to Martin Schlegel.
Beer sales in Switzerland watered down by bad weather
This content was published on
The past brewing year fell through in Switzerland, partly due to the bad weather. Beer sales shrank again. For the first time, per capita consumption fell below the 50 liter mark.
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.
Read more
More
Insurers act on climate change exposure
This content was published on
Insurance companies, like Zurich-based Swiss Re, are dealing with climate change impacts in the form of direct claims related to volatile weather.
Melting glaciers have little impact on Swiss hydropower
This content was published on
Although rapidly melting glaciers provide a temporary boost to Swiss hydropower production, their disappearance does not pose a threat.
This content was published on
Melting of the glaciers means more risk of landslides and flooding. Yet it is also opening up new opportunities for Alpine tourism.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
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.