Switzerland: when the wallet matters more than the climate

In the aftermath of Sunday's voting, the Swiss newspapers focus on the most sensational result of all: the rejection of the CO2 law. During the “super Sunday” of federal voting, there were five issues on the agenda. The people rejected the two initiatives targeting synthetic pesticides, approved the revision of the terrorism law and said “yes” to the legal basis for pandemic management. So far, so good.

Despite initial opinion polls suggested a strong popular support of the new CO2 law, the text containing Switzerland's strategy to achieve the Paris Agreement goals was rejected by 51.6% of voters. In line with the Agreement, Switzerland aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 50% of 1990 levels by 2030 and become climate neutral by 2050. Now, the million-dollar question is: how?

Swiss voters reject a law to curb CO2

In September 2020, the Swiss parliament approved a new law on carbon dioxide reductions, based on the “polluters pay” principle. The text contained measures relating to road vehicles, air traffic, industrial emissions, and the renovation of buildings. In particular, it envisioned:

• a tax of between CHF 30 and 120 on airline tickets for flights departing from Switzerland;

• an increase in the surcharge that fuel importers could apply to petrol and diesel from CHF 5 to 12 cent per litre;

• an increase in the CO2 tax on diesel.

The law opponents actually recognized the reality of climate change but questioned whether this law was the most appropriate means to mitigate its impacts. It was definitely imperfect – yet it was a beginning. The main concern was to incur additional costs at a time of great economic uncertainty. This has led many people desist and change their minds, regardless of their political affiliations. Put it differently,

while everyone is in favor of environmental protection, many also manage to run away from it when it becomes concrete - and expensive.

It is more or less like the peace in the world: how many people have you found who are against it? And how many people do you know who truly act for it?

Last Sunday’s “no” to the new CO2 law profoundly undermines Switzerland’s ability to achieve its climate ambitions. What will happen now? The subject cannot be left behind because people remain sensitive to the climate issue and Switzerland needs to meet its Paris Agreement commitments. It will be up to the opponents of the CO2 law to propose a more elegant greenhouse gas emissions reduction scheme. I am curious to see what they will come up with.