Switzerland Sets 65% GHG Emissions Reduction by 2035

This step marks a crucial milestone for Switzerland in the fight against climate change. The country announced an ambitious goal to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 65% in 2035, compared with the 1990 level. This announcement is aligned with Switzerland's continued efforts under the Paris Agreement and will be the foundation for Switzerland's second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The updated climate action plan will be submitted by the government to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) by February 10, 2025.

Under the Paris Agreement, countries submit NDCs that outline the strategies and targets for their actions on climate change. The target is supposed to be reviewed and updated every five years with increasing ambition in terms of mitigation action to limit warming. The country's current NDC was submitted in 2017 and promised a reduction in emissions of at least 50% by 2030. The new ambition of a reduction of 65% by 2035 signals a much more serious and immediate commitment to fighting climate change.

The Swiss government also set an interim target for the period between 2031 and 2035, which should on average reduce the country's average 59% emission. This bridging objective pursues the general objective of a determined, step-by-step path toward the country's decarbonization objectives. This is within Switzerland's climate law, officially referred to as Climate and Innovation Act. The law was approved through a 2023 referendum. It enshrines the country's 2050 net-zero target into law and introduces a comprehensive range of measures to facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy.

The Climate and Innovation Act includes provisions for interim national and sectoral emissions reduction targets, initiatives to promote energy efficiency, and incentives to encourage industries, buildings, and households to move away from fossil fuel-based energy sources. One of its key stipulations is the requirement for all companies operating in Switzerland to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

To reach the new targets that have been set, the government is stressing the implementation of primarily domestic measures. The idea is to cut down the emission inside the country through efforts such as expanding renewable energy infrastructure, enhancing energy efficiency, and implementing cleaner technologies in industries and transportation. With domestic efforts first, Switzerland looks to meet its climate goals sustainably and without depending on external factors.

The government, however, has not entirely closed the door on using international mechanisms to supplement its domestic efforts. A supplement to Switzerland's long-term climate strategy published along with the new targets recognized that the country might use Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) or surplus emissions reductions achieved abroad to meet its goals. ITMOs are a mechanism under the Paris Agreement that allows countries to trade emissions reductions, thereby facilitating global cooperation in reducing GHG emissions. Nevertheless, Switzerland anticipates relying less on ITMOs than it did for achieving its 2030 target, signaling a stronger emphasis on self-sufficiency in climate action.

The decision to adopt more ambitious climate targets comes amid growing global pressure for nations to accelerate their decarbonization efforts. The world is already witnessing climate-related disasters becoming increasingly frequent and intense, and, in this respect, countries are being called to act boldly so that global warming can be confined to 1.5 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial levels, in line with the Paris Agreement. The new Swiss targets reflect that it has become urgent for it to be among the leaders globally in the fight against climate change.

Environmental groups and climate activists generally welcomed the news, hailing the ambitious goals and the fact that the efforts will be concentrated on domestic measures. However, some have also criticized the plans for international offsetting and the lack of detailed action to attain the targets. It is indeed crucial that the country's overall climate strategy becomes a success for all sectors in the economy.

It also serves as an important exemplar for other countries, especially developed and industrialized ones with significant carbon emissions. By showing it commits strongly to climate action, the Swiss government is bound to motivate other countries into assuring comparable targets and contributing to global action against climate change.

When the updated NDC will be presented by Switzerland before the UNFCCC, a daunting task arises, that of turning these high-profile ambitions into practicable, efficient action measures. All involved, including government, business people, and the people, are responsible for successful results. Switzerland's comprehensive climate strategy, if well implemented, will not only see the country reach its decarbonization targets but also put the country at the helm of the global fight against climate change.