Federal Councillor Albert Rösti represented Switzerland at the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan on 21 and 22 November. At the conference, Switzerland advocated a broadening of funding, particularly from countries with high CO2 emissions. The aim is to mobilise funds for the countries most in need, helping them to cope with the damage caused by climate change. All countries should contribute to this to the best of their ability.
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© DETEC
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© DETEC
Federal Councillor Albert Rösti in conversation with Swiss Ambassador for the Environment Felix Wertli
© DETEC
© DETEC
© DETEC
1.5 Degree Pledge
Switzerland supports the 1.5 Degree Pledge – an initiative that calls on countries to submit national climate targets that are in line with the 1.5-degree target. In his statement on this initiative at COP29 today, Federal Councillor Albert Rösti emphasised the need for the international community to work together to implement measures if climate protection goals are to be achieved.
Environmental Integrity Group
On 21 November, Federal Councillor Albert Rösti led the Environmental Integrity Group (Georgia, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Monaco, South Korea, Switzerland), which is chaired by Switzerland.
Bilateral talks
On 21 and 22 November, a number of bilateral talks took place, including with the Norwegian Environment Minister, Tore Onshuus Sandvik. One of the topics discussed at all these talks was the possibility of offsetting CO2 emissions in Switzerland in these partner countries. Switzerland currently has such agreements with 13 countries. The goals of the Paris Climate Agreement can be achieved by offsetting abroad.
Outcome
The Paris Agreement obliges all countries to take concrete steps to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. At COP29, resolutions were adopted to implement the Paris Agreement, one important topic being the new collective financial target. The countries have agreed on a new collective financing target of 300 billion US dollars a year, to be achieved from 2035. Switzerland was committed to ensuring that all countries in a position to do so contribute to the new financial target - especially those with high greenhouse gas emissions. The public funds mobilised in this way to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change are to be deployed in poorer countries. Switzerland already exceeds its commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement by allocating over CHF 700 million per year. Swiss companies are also making an important contribution through their technologies.
In addition, the rules for the carbon market mechanisms were finalised at COP29. This enables countries to implement climate protection projects abroad and have the resulting emissions reductions credited. Switzerland currently has such agreements with 13 countries.
Climate policy in Switzerland
- New climate goals: Switzerland will submit its national climate goals for 2035 by next spring.
- Net zero by 2050: Switzerland’s new Climate Act, which was approved by the electorate, sets milestones for buildings, transport and industry.
- Renewable energies: The newly adopted Electricity Act aims to significantly expandrenewable energies.
