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Slight decrease of greenhouse gas emissions in 2006 compared to 2005

Wetter und Klima (Symbolbild)
Image: NASA

Swiss greenhouse gas emissions for 2006 were down by 0.6 million tonnes to a total of 53.2 million tonnes compared to 2005. However, they are still higher than 1990 by 0.4 million tonnes. These are the results of the current greenhouse gas inventory of Switzerland which was communicated to the UNO on 15 April 2008.
As the comparison of greenhouse gas emissions for the years 2006 and 2005 shows, it is primarily emissions from heating fuels that have decreased. This reduction is essentially due to the comparatively mild temperatures of the 2006 winter months. On the other hand, emissions due to transport fuels increased slightly in the year 2006 compared to the previous year, with freight traffic on the roads making a significant contribution.
The greenhouse gas inventory is the most important tool for checking whether Switzerland can achieve its targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions according to the Kyoto Protocol. The target between 2008 and 2012 is to reduce the emission of the most important greenhouse gases by 8% in comparison with 1990. Apart from the changes in emissions, the acquisition of foreign emission certificates and the carbon sequestration of Swiss forests are also taken into account to meet the target. On this basis, Switzerland is assumed to be able to achieve the Kyoto target.
Source: Federal Office for the Environment FOEN

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  • Greenhouse gases