Switzerland
Federal Act on Climate Protection Goals, Innovation and Strengthening Energy Security
Legislative
Act
Mitigation Framework
Passed in 2022
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%.
Article 4 sets benchmarks for the buildings, transportation and industry sectors.
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 CO2 Act, which is currently in the process of being revised.
This law has been passed, but the Swiss government must decide on a date of entry into force. The Swiss People's Party has taken a referendum against the Act.
Documents
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Net zero by 2050
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Companies must reach net zero by 2050
from the Grantham Research Institute
from the Grantham Research Institute
