Two thirds of an Italian building on the Alpine border between Italy and Switzerland is now in Switzerland, reported Le Matin. The incident has triggered three years of intensive transnational negotiations with no breakthrough. The Rifugio Guide del Cervino (pictured above) sits at 3,480 metres above sea level on the border of the ski domains […]
Switzerland breaks river temperature records
During July 2022, measurements taken at 11 points on a number Swiss rivers have broken temperature records, reported RTS. The water in the Aar river, which flows through Bern, reached 24 degrees at the point where it reaches the city, the highest recorded level since the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) began measuring river […]
Heat wave returns to Switzerland on Monday
Despite a few clouds, cooler temperatures and rain in some corners of Switzerland on Friday 29 July 2022, temperatures are set to climb back above to 30 degrees or above across much of Switzerland from Monday, according to Meteo Swiss. On Saturday and Sunday, temperatures in nearly all of Switzerland’s main cities will remain below […]
Swiss army helicopters water to drought stricken animals
On 26 July 2022, Switzerland’s military helicoptered water to alpine farms in the municipality of Kerns in the canton of Obwalden, reported RTS. Obwalden is the first canton to request emergency water during the current persistent dry period in Switzerland. The operation was aimed at ensuring the survival of livestock, which could not be easily […]
Switzerland faces energy uncertainty like never before, says energy authority
This week, Benoît Revaz, head of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE), said there is an unprecedented level of uncertainty in Europe concerning energy provision, reported RTS. Prices have been seriously affected by the war in Ukraine and Switzerland has not been spared, said Revaz. We are now experiencing the first global energy crisis […]
Swiss rush to buy wood as gas crisis looms
Despite the current heatwave residents of Switzerland have not forgotten about how they might heat themselves over winter. With gas shortages looming and persistently high heating oil and gas prices, some are stockpiling wood. Increased demand for wood is pushing prices higher. Wood prices have already risen 10%, according to RTS. Some vendors have never […]
Rare forest giraffe born at Basel Zoo
On 10 July 2022, an okapi, or forest giraffe, was born at Basel Zoo. The new arrival is only the fifth calf to be born at the zoo over more than 20 years. The newly born calf named “Toka” is the son of mother Ebony (10) and father Imba (15). Described as strong and curious, […]
Price paid for solar electricity too low for many Swiss home owners
Home owners with solar panels can put any excess electricity the produce into the grid. However, the price paid in much of Switzerland is too low to encourage home owners to install extra solar capacity, reports RTS. Some politicians would like to see this changed. Prices paid for solar energy added to the grid in […]
Geneva’s strict rules boost sales of most polluting air conditioners
Rules restricting the installation of air conditioning in Geneva have led to a rise in the purchase of inefficient mobile air conditioning units. Installing air conditioning in Switzerland is often subject to rules set at the cantonal level. Geneva is the strictest canton. To qualify, a home owner must prove they have a legitimate need, […]
Allowing trucks on Swiss roads at night under discussion
Under current rules trucks are not allowed on Swiss roads between 10pm and 5am and on Sundays, with some exceptions. However, the Swiss authorities are discussing the possibility of loosening these rules in order reduce daytime traffic, reported Le Matin. The Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) is considering reducing the time period at night when heavy […]
