Climate change is progressing and Switzerland, too, must find ways of adapting to it. The federal government is launching the Adapt+ funding programme to promote measures to adapt to climate change. Are you planning a project to green public spaces, create more shade in the city centre or design a sponge town? Are you looking for ways to use water more efficiently so you are better prepared for dry periods in summer? Check whether your project could receive funding. Below you will find key information on support.
Goals
The adaptation measures should contribute to the objectives of the Federal Council's climate change adaptation strategy for Switzerland and must not contradict the objectives of the Confederation's energy and climate policy. In a first phase, the intention is to multiply existing solutions.
Adapt+ supports measures that help prevent damage to people and valuable material assets such as buildings, infrastructure or socially and culturally important buildings and sites. This includes protecting nature and the landscape from the consequences of increased greenhouse gas concentrations. However, these adaptation measures may not already receive support under other existing special decrees, for example as part of programme agreements with the cantons.
Possible project organisers include cantons, communes, regions, associations, businesses and organisations.
Funding criteria in detail
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)
Funding topics
Funding is available in particular for adaptation measures to prevent damage and minimise risks in the following areas:
Funding body and committees
The Adapt+ funding programme for adaptation to climate change is funded by the federal government.
The Federal Office for the Environment FOEN is in charge of the programme, and is responsible for evaluating applications. Adapt+ is an interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral funding programme; the FOEN consults other federal agencies affected by the topic of an application.
Legal basis
CO2 Act: Article 37b on measures to prevent damage forms the basis of the the Adapt+ funding programme.
CO2 Ordinance: The revised CO2 Ordinance came into effect on 2 April 2025, thereby creating the statutory basis for Adapt+.
Subsidies Act, SubA: A further statutory basis is the Federal Act of 5 October 1990 on Financial Assistance and Subsidies (Subsidies Act, SubA) (version 13 February 2023) (de, fr, it)
Submitting a funding application
You can register for the Adapt+ programme now
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.
Strategie des Bundesrates zur Anpassung an den Klimawandel
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.
BAFU: Anpassung an den Klimawandel – Online-Tool für Gemeinden
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)Pilotprogramm zur Anpassung an den Klimawandel (2. Phase)
Impulse für eine klimaangepasste Schweiz (PDF, 17 MB, 17.10.2017)Pilotprogramm zur Anpassung an den Klimawandel (1. Phase)
Last modification 15.05.2025
Contact
Adapt+ support programme
Guirec Gicquel
Programme Manager
Climate Division
Federal Office for the Environment
Switzerland