According to the Credit Suisse worry barometer, the environment was the number one concern for the Swiss population in 2022. Although in percentage terms concern about the environment was unchanged from last year it rose in the ranking. The environment was followed in second and third place by AHV/retirement provision and energy, respectively, while the […]
Only 50 percent of electricity consumed in Switzerland is clean
The Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) claims 80% of the electricity consumed in Switzerland is renewable. However, a recent study from Geneva University calculates that only 50% is, reported RTS. The difference between the SFOE’s 80% and Geneva University’s 50% largely results from the way the two figures are calculated. The SFOE’s calculation is […]
Climate change – global population nearly triples since 1960
This week the global population reached 8 billion, a figure approaching three times what it was in 1960 when the global population reached 3 billion. Over the period from 1960 to 2021, total global emissions from fossil fuels and industry rose 295% from 9.4 to 37.1 billion tonnes. These total global emission and population figures […]
Swiss Rail to add more space for bikes
There are plenty of disincentives to avoid cycling. Swiss Rail announced this week that it would aim to reduce one of these by adding more space on trains to accommodate bicycles, reported RTS. In Switzerland, travelling on a train with a bicycle is expensive. Bringing a bike along for the ride means an extra ticket […]
11 percent of Switzerland’s population exposed to water contaminated with Chlorothalonil
Levels of the chemical Chlorothalonil exceeding 0.1 micrograms per litre have been detected in the water used by around 700,000 people in Switzerland, reported RTS. Chlorothalonil is a chemical found in fungicides used to protect crops, preserve wood and to give paints antifungal properties. Typically among the top three most used agrochemicals it is used […]
Month of October the hottest ever recorded
According to Meteo Swiss, Switzerland experienced its hottest October since weather records began in 1864, surpassing the monthly average maximum by 1 degree. The unusually high average temperature was caused by a persistent air current from the west and southwest. In addition to higher temperatures, this led to less rain than normal and longer sunshine […]
No price rises for Swiss public transport in 2023
For the seventh consecutive year, the price of tickets on Swiss public transport will remain unchanged. It will also become easier to buy tickets for bicycles and canine companions, reported RTS. News of no price increases is likely to be welcomed given the relatively high price of Swiss public transport. A survey several years ago […]
Swiss clocks go back one hour this Sunday
Early on Sunday 30 October 2022 Swiss clocks turn back one hour. Officially they are adjusted at 3am. This means you can stay in bed longer and it will be lighter when you get up. On the down side, it will be darker in the evenings. The rest of Europe will adjust its clocks at […]
More than 70% of Swiss homes heated by burning stuff
Statistics published this week by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), show that 70.1% of homes in Switzerland are heated by burning either mazout (heating oil), gas or wood. Across Switzerland 40.7% of homes are heated with mazout or heating oil. A further 17.6% are heated by burning gas and 11.8% by burning wood. These high […]
What are Swiss rules on winter tyres?
Laws in France require drivers to fit winter tyres or carry chains from 1 November until 31 March in certain mountainous regions of the country. However, Switzerland has different laws on the subject. In Switzerland, there is no legal requirement to fit winter tyres. However, the Swiss Road Traffic Act (Art. 29) requires all vehicles […]
