Greenhouse gas emission reductions are too slow
Switzerland is not on track to reach the Kyoto target
In Switzerland, Greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced by 1.5 million tons of CO2 equivalents in 2009. However, the emissions were still too high with regard to the Kyoto target.
In Switzerland, greenhouse gas emissions amounted to 51.85 million tons of CO2 equivalents in 2009. The decrease of 1.5 million tons in comparison to 2008 means a reduction of 2.6 per cent. Among other things, the reduction is due to milder temperatures and the economic crises.
According to the Kyoto protocol Switzerland has committed itself to reduce its emissions by an average of 8 per cent for the period 2008 to 2012. Taking into consideration the sink effect of the forest as well as the purchase of emission reduction certificates, in 2009 the emissions were still 0.6 million tons beyond the Kyoto target.
Between 1990 (the reference year with regard to the Kyoto targets) and 2009, greenhouse gas emissions from traffic have increased by 1.8 million tons of CO2 equivalents or 12 per cent. Traffic accounts for a third of total greenhouse gas emissions. Since 1990, the emissions have been reduced in the industry and the service sector, in households and in agriculture.
For the entire Kyoto commitment period (2008 to 2012), the Federal Office for the Environment anticipates that the target will be missed by 0.8 million tons CO2 equivalents per year. The Federal Council will decide on how to cover the target deficit.
Press release (in German or French) Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN):
German
French
Source: Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN)