Climate change poses new challenges for Switzerland. Heavy rainfall, heatwaves or summer droughts are already becoming increasingly noticeable. It is essential to adapt to current risks and future challenges. Coordination and knowledge sharing are essential to ensure that potential solutions are implemented efficiently and effectively.
Climate change affects people, nature and the economy in numerous ways. Dangerous climate disruptions such as more intense and frequent heavy rainfall and heatwaves, as well as more severe summer droughts, are already evident today and present new challenges for politics, the economy and society. Scientists agree that the effects of climate change will continue to intensify. To be prepared for future risks, proven adaptation measures must be continued and new approaches developed.
Climate risks and potential solutions
Based on systematic analysis, the greatest climate risks for Switzerland are increasing heat stress, worsening summer drought, growing risk of natural hazards, rising average temperatures and increasing changes in habitats and species composition. In addition, there are unexpected extremes and combined risks. Unexpected extremes refer to events that have never been experienced before but could occur in the future due to ongoing climate change. Combined risks occur when, for example, a period of drought affects both agriculture and also pushes the electricity supply to its limits because reservoirs threaten to run dry.
Switzerland is also affected by the impacts of climate change abroad. The risks arising from this include, in particular, uncertainties in food and electricity supplies.
Climate risks for Switzerland
- Increasing heat stress
- Increasing summer drought
- Growing risk of natural hazards
- Rising average temperatures
- Increasing changes in habitats and species composition
- Unexpected extremes and combined risks
- Impacts of climate change abroad
Climate Risk Analysis for Switzerland
The Climate Risk Analysis assesses climate risks for Switzerland up to 2060. With the help of numerous experts from government, science and industry, the content and methodology of the first edition of the Climate Risk Analysis published in 2017 have been comprehensively reviewed and updated. The results serve as a basis for the federal government's future adaptation strategy and also for developing adaptation strategies and action plans in the cantons and regions.
Advancing solutions
Numerous solutions to the challenges posed by climate change are already known. Effective and promising projects have been implemented throughout Switzerland, particularly as part of the Pilot Programme for Adaptation to Climate Change (2013–2023).
Publication 'Towards a climate-resilient Switzerland', 2023
(available in German, French and Italian)
Successful solutions must be consistently promoted, pursued and replicated. At the same time, innovative approaches must be developed for Switzerland's future adaptation to climate change. The federal government is supporting both objectives through its funding programme for climate change adaptation, which was launched in 2025.
Support for climate change adaptation
Measures and solutions for communes: Online tool
The online tool 'Climate change adaptation' helps communes evaluate the risks of global warming in their area. It also provides specific recommendations for action and showcases successful examples from other communes.
Climate Programme – training and communication
The Climate Programme promotes climate protection. It focuses on training and further education for specialists and managers, as well as providing information and advice for cities and municipalities.
Climate strategy guide for municipalities
A straightforward guide that helps municipalities develop a systematic climate strategy step by step. As well as measures for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it also addresses climate change adaptation.
Publication 'Climate strategy guide for communes', 2023
(available in German, French and Italian)
Pilot programme on climate change adaptation (2013–2023)
The pilot programme on climate change adaptation (2013–2023) has produced numerous practical solutions that can now be disseminated and implemented.
Impulse für eine klimaangepasste Schweiz (PDF, 16 MB, 12.05.2023)(available in German, French or Italian)
Indicator/risk monitoring
Together with other federal offices and research institutes, the FOEN develops indicators that enable conclusions to be drawn about the effects of climate change on society and about adaptation measures.
Thematic publications
Several publications offer support on specific adaptation-related topics:
Publication 'Heat in cities. Foundations for climate-friendly urban development', 2018
(available in German, French and Italian)
(available in German, French and Italian)
Last modification 25.08.2025
