The risks posed by climate change are increasing. What does this mean for Switzerland? And how can we face up to these challenges, take action and find solutions? On 2 April 2025, the CO2 Ordinance came into force, thereby providing a legal basis for the Adapt+ climate change adaptation funding programme. This programme, run by the Federal Office for the Environment FOEN, provides federal support for the implementation of adaptation measures.
The goal is to support measures to adapt to climate change in Switzerland so that we as a society can adapt more quickly and more effectively to its effects.
Adapt+ in brief
From 2025, the federal programme Adapt+ will promote measures and projects that minimise the risks resulting from climate change, that protect the population, material assets and natural resources, and that increase the capacity of society, the economy and the environment to adapt to the changes ahead.
In this way, the federal government can support the cantons, communes, regions, associations, businesses and organisations in actively adapting to climate change and taking future-proof measures. In addition to this support, Adapt+ will facilitate the transfer of knowledge between the authorities, businesses and research institutions, and help create synergies.
Prospective project organisers can register from May 2025 and must submit an application for funding to the FOEN by the end of August. In 2025 the federal government will only support adaptation measures that have already been successfully applied elsewhere, the aim being to multiply tried-and-tested solutions as quickly as possible. From 2026 onwards it will also support innovation projects that break new ground in overcoming the challenges posed by climate change.
Which projects are eligible for support?
The programme supports measures and projects that strengthen Switzerland's resilience to the effects of climate change and thus contribute to ensuring our quality of life. Here are some examples of the kind of project that will be eligible for funding:
- Action plans to protect the public during heatwaves
- Appropriate management of water resources in risk areas
- Close-to-nature design and networking of watercourses
- Climate-adapted, close-to-nature design of green and open spaces to reduce urban heat islands
- Use of climate-adapted building materials
- Planning and implementation of concepts for sponge towns and cities
- Shading with trees and shrubs adapted to the location and climate
In addition to the planning and application of measures, upstream work such as climate risk analyses, impact analyses, drawing up guidelines, etc. may also be funded. The FOEN publishes a regularly updated list of examples, which can be downloaded below.
Detailed information on eligibility criteria
Here you will find detailed information on the eligibility criteria and examples of adaptation measures:
Implementation notice (PDF, 453 kB, 12.05.2025)(available in German, French or Italian)
Measures eligible for funding (PDF, 3 MB, 15.05.2025)List of eligible measures for funding (only in German)
Procedure and deadlines for submitting applications
The application process consists of two steps:
1. Register (once only):
- You can register for the Adapt+ programme now. You need to be registered in order to submit an application.
- Once registered, you can begin drawing up your application.
- NB: You will receive written confirmation of registration by post, including a code required to submit an application.
2. Submit an application:
Applications can be submitted electronically between 1 August and 31 August 2025.
Submitting a funding application
You can register for the Adapt+ programme now
Do you have any questions?
Please contact the Adapt+ administrative office
Further information
Newsletter on climate change adaptation
We provide regular updates on climate change adaptation and the Adapt+ funding programme. Sign up here for the FOEN newsletter:
Newsletter on climate change adaptation
(available in German, French or Italian)
Links
Overview of the FOEN's technical information on adaptation to the effects of climate change in Switzerland.
Federal Council Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change
Detailed presentation of the national strategy on adaptation to climate change, including objectives and measures.
Programme to promote pilot projects (2013-2023) that implement innovative approaches to adaptation to climate change.
Climate Change Adaptation Network
Network of stakeholders for the exchange of knowledge and experience on adaptation to climate change.
National Centre for Climate Services (NCCS): Adaptation to climate change
Overview of the National Centre for Climate Services (NCCS) on measures and initiatives for adaptation to climate change in Switzerland.
FOEN: Adaptation to climate change – online tool for municipalities
Digital tool to support municipalities and cantons in planning and implementing measures for adaptation to climate change.
Climate Programme – training and communications
The Climate Programme Communication provides information and advice to cities and municipalities on climate protection (reduction of greenhouse gases and adaptation to climate change) and supports them in climate communication.
Documents
Impulse für eine klimaangepasste Schweiz (PDF, 16 MB, 12.05.2023)Pilot programme for adaptation to climate change (2nd phase)
Impulse für eine klimaangepasste Schweiz (PDF, 17 MB, 17.10.2017)Pilot programme for adaptation to climate change (1st phase)
Last modification 15.05.2025
Contact
Adapt+ support programme
Guirec Gicquel
Programme Manager
Climate Division
Federal Office for the Environment
Switzerland