Switzerland’s agricultural sector costs the country CHF 19.9 billion while contributing only CHF 3.4 billion, concludes a study published by the think tank Avenir Suisse. The CHF 19.9 billion cost is made up of tax breaks and direct federal and cantonal payments to the sector (4.9b), the cost of artificially inflated consumer prices due to […]
New long-haul budget airline from Basel launches fundraising
The idea is simple. Keep costs low by flying point-to-point, thus avoiding costly hubs, use one model of aircraft to contain pilot and aircraft maintenance costs, and charge passengers for everything from coffee to checked-in luggage. Southwest Airlines was first to launch the model and copycats like EasyJet followed. Now a new, yet to be […]
Halogen light bulbs to be banned in Switzerland
At the beginning of September 2018, Swiss retailers stopped replacing their stocks of nearly all halogen light bulbs. Along with standard incandescent bulbs, which were forced from Swiss shop shelves in 2013, the sale of halogen bulbs will be banned from the end of August 2019. The only halogen bulbs that will remain on sale […]
Daylight saving likely to go in Switzerland
After a public consultation where 84% of 4.6 million people across the EU called for an end to daylight saving, EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said millions “believe that in future, summer time should be year-round, and that’s what will happen”. The European Parliament said it is “crucial to maintain a unified EU time regime”. […]
Swiss commutes get longer and slower
As the summer holidays wrap up, many will be getting back into their regular trip to work. The number of people commuting in Switzerland reached a record 3.9 million in 2016, a whopping 34% more than in 1990. In addition, the average Swiss commuting distance increased. in 2016, it was 14.8 km one way, 1.9 […]
Cows suffer long after their horns are removed, says new research
A new study concludes that the pain associated with horn removal can last for months, according to a report by the Luzerner Zeitung. This conclusion supports the upcoming vote to penalize dehorning in Switzerland. The initiative, scheduled for 25 November 2018, entitled: For the dignity of farm animals, aims to withdraw farm subsidies from farmers […]
A cold front could bring snow to Switzerland this weekend
While it might be difficult to believe when it’s over 30 degrees, snow is forecast to fall above 2,000 metres in Switzerland this weekend, according to meteonews. High temperatures are expected to give way to high altitude snow from Friday as a cold front sweeps across Europe, according to the weather service. This Sunday, Swiss Meteo, […]
FILM: WOMAN AT WAR – a heroic environmental terrorist – 4 stars
17 August 2018. WOMAN AT WAR **** (vo Icelandic) If you’re looking for a heroine, here is one in all her glory. Played by the excellent Halldora Geirhardsdottir, she is a real woman, a smart environmental terrorist, a choir leader on the side, and nimble as a gazelle…make that a reindeer. She’s a one-woman bow-and-arrow […]
Heatwave affecting Swiss hydro
The heatwave has had a marked impact on Switzerland’s hydro landscape. However, not all regions have been affected in the same way. Hydro electric plants in lowland areas have seen production fall as river flows have declined. Guillaume Gros, head of production at Romande Energie, told RTS that some small low-lying turbines were switched off […]
Traffic cost Switzerland nearly 2 billion francs in 2015
Traffic cost the nation 1.9 billion francs in 2015, according to calculations by Switzerland’s Federal Office for Spatial Development (ARE). Most of the cost (69%) was time lost waiting in traffic. The cost of traffic related accidents accounted for a further 24%, and wasted energy (5%) and environmental costs (2%) made up the rest. Between […]
