Government data published on 11 April 2023, show Switzerland’s greenhouse gas emissions rose by 3% in 2021. In 2021, greenhouse gas emissions rose to 45.2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents, 1.3 million more than in 2020. The emission figure does not include everything. Notably, flight emissions, wood burning heating systems and emissions associated with anything […]
Swiss efforts to cut energy consumption deliver mixed results
On 31 August 2022, when an energy shortage loomed, Switzerland’s federal government launched a campaign to cut the nation’s energy consumption. Targets were set to cut gas consumption by 15% and electricity use by 10%. Data published this week showed cuts to gas consumption exceeded the voluntary target set, while cuts to electricity were well […]
New pollution rules could force 20% of diesel cars off Swiss roads
From 1 January 2023, diesel vehicles must be tested to see if their particulate filters are working. As a result an estimated 20% of the diesel vehicles on Switzerland’s roads may not pass roadworthiness tests, reported RTS. Vehicles that fail these tests can no longer legally by driven. According to Patrick Schnelli, an expert in […]
Empty Swiss cemeteries find a new life
Swiss cemetery plots are not forever. High fees and time limits ensure regular plot turnover. With rising numbers of cremations some cemeteries are emptying, reported RTS. A single burial plot in a cemetery in Lausanne can only taken out for up to 30 years with the possibility of renewal for a further maximum of 30 […]
Deadly week of avalanches in Switzerland
Avalanches can be deadly. This week was a tragic reminder of just how easily they can take lives. This week two skiers were taken in a space of two days at the Verbier ski resort. On 14 March 2023, three skiers were caught in an avalanche in Verbier. According to Valais Police, the three were […]
Earthquakes among the greatest risks facing Switzerland
On 7 March 2023, Switzerland’s federal government published its first systematic assessment of the impact of earthquakes on Switzerland’s residents, buildings and infrastructure. The work produced the first publicly accessible and most reliable earthquake risk model Switzerland has had. Statistically speaking, every person in Switzerland will experience at least one earthquake causing serious damage in […]
Dry winter could lead to summer drought in Switzerland
Across much of Switzerland there has been almost no rain or snow for more than a month. A Swiss hydrologist thinks it’s time to start thinking about conserving water, reported RTS. This winter has seen much less precipitation than normal, leaving experts concerned about the level of ground water across the country. Although the current […]
Low underground water levels cause concern in Switzerland
At climate change bites the effects are becoming more apparent in Switzerland. A current concern is the lack of ground water, reported RTS this week. The amount of rainfall in parts of Switzerland in 2022 was half of what it was in 2021. The cantons of Valais and Ticino in particular have been badly affected. […]
Risk of cracks rising for houses built on clay
More and more soil is being impacted by drought. Clay soils in particular are affected by drought. These soils expand and contract depending on their water content and often crack when dry. Building on them can be risky and requires a particular structural design. Home owners in parts of France have already been impacted by […]
700,000 in danger of glacial lake floods in Switzerland
As glaciers melt lakes often form at their bases. A combination of water build up and geological instability can lead to glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF). A global study on the phenomenon estimates that around 700,000 people in Switzerland could potentially be exposed to the risks associated with these floods. These floods can be highly […]
