Switzerland will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 2030 based on 1990 levels, the country’s Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) announced last week, with 30% achieved by actual emissions reductions and the other 20% through carbon markets or other offsets.
The announcement made Switzerland the first country to formally communicate its contribution to the global deal that will be finalized at the UN climate conference in Paris in December.
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“This objective of a 50% reduction in emissions reflects Switzerland’s responsibility for climate warming and the potential cost of emissions reduction measures in Switzerland and abroad over the 2020-2030 period,” the FOEN stated.
“The use of international credits meeting high environmental standards will allows Switzerland to contribute to quick emission reductions, while at the same time to continue its ambitious pathway towards further reduction of domestic emissions,” chief negotiator Franz Perrez told RTCC.
Alliance Sud NGO climate advisor Jürg Staudenmann expressed disappointment with the announcement. “There is no word about climate finance and support for developing countries,” he said.
