Switzerland Framework Law

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Laws and Policies

CCLW

CCLW national policies

Federal Act on Climate Protection Goals, Innovation and Strengthening Energy Security

Approved

Approved by referendum

This Act passes Switzerland's net zero target into law and provides a framework for climate action. 
Article 1 outlines the objective of the Act:
a. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction and apply negative emissions technologies (NETs);
b. Climate change adaptation;
c. Align financial flows with low-emissions and climate change resilient development.
Pursuant to Article 3 para. 1 Switzerland must reach net zero by 2050. Post-2050, negative GHG emissions must be achieved (para. 2). Notably, para. 6 clarifies that to this end emissions used for international aviation and shipping that are refuelled in Switzerland are to be taken into account. The Act also sets interim targets (para. 3):
a. On average over the period 2031-2040: 64%;
b. By 2040: 75%;
c. On average over the period 2041-2050: 89%.
The Act also requires companies to reach net zero by 2050 in article 5 para. 1. This includes scope 1 and 2 emissions. To this end, companies may set up transition plans (para. 2). To incentivise companies to devise transition plans in a timely manner, the Federation shall provide companies or sectors that draw up transition plans by 2029 with support.
Pursuant to article 11 para. 2, this Act shall be implemented primarily through the <a href="https://climate-laws.org/geographies/switzerland/laws/co2-act-act-641-71-fully-revised-version" target="_blank">CO2 Act</a>.
This law was passed by parliament in September 2022. The Swiss People's Party took a <a href="https://www.nau.ch/politik/bundeshaus/svp-referendum-gegen-klimaschutz-gesetz-steht-66389070" target="_blank">referendum</a> against the Act, but it was approved by a majority on June 18th 2023.&nbsp;

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An aim to achieve a quantifiable outcome within a given time-frame, set by an institution such as a national government.

Policy instruments are techniques or tools used by governing authorities to promote certain policies in order to achieve predetermined goals. Put simply, instruments are how a government tries to achieve its goals, with this taxonomy being focused on national policy instruments.

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Groups  of people who are adversely affected by climate change or the response to it

A set of principles, processes, and practices that build economic and political power to shift from an extractive economy to a regenerative economy.

Renewable energy means all forms of energy produced from renewable sources in a sustainable manner.

Fossil fuel is a generic term for non-renewable energy sources such as coal, fossil gas, and oil (including crude oil, and petroleum products), that can be used for electricity and heat generation. Fossil fuels are hydrocarbons formed from pressurised and heated organic material buried over millions of years.

Molecules in the atmosphere that play a key role in the greenhouse effect by trapping heat radiating from Earth’s surface.

Area of the economy in which actors engage in identical or related activities.

In human systems, the process of adjustment to actual or expected climate change and its effects, in order to moderate harm, increase resilience or exploit beneficial opportunities. In natural systems, the process of adjustment to actual climate change and its effects; human intervention may facilitate adjustment to expected climate change and its effects.

The management and allocation of funds, assets and investments to meet various objectives