Switzerland Aims to Cut GHG Emissions by 65%

Switzerland’s updated nation-determined contribution under the Paris Agreement aims to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 65% by 2035 compared to the level in 1990. The country has set a GHG budget of 106.8 million tons of CO₂, equivalent to a 59% decrease in emissions over the period.

Even though Switzerland aims to achieve these reductions through domestic measures, the country has also opted to continue using internationally transferred mitigation outcomes (ITMO) from cooperation initiatives under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. However, this dependence on using some non-domestic measures to meet its goals was met with heavy criticism, as some groups are concerned about Switzerland’s reduction commitment.

Despite falling under heavy scrutiny from the public, the Swiss government still confirms that its goals correspond to the recommendations of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The measures to achieve the reduction in emissions will be enshrined primarily in the amended CO2 law for the period from 2030. Yet according to the long-term climate strategy, Switzerland still expects 11.8 million tons of residual carbon emissions, mainly from agriculture and waste, necessitating negative emissions technologies to reach net-negative status.