Greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced to net zero by 2050. Only then can global warming be reduced to less than 2 °C. Switzerland's long-term climate strategy sets out how this goal can be achieved, thereby meeting the commitment made under the Paris Agreement from 2015.
To ensure that global warming is restricted to significantly less than 2 °C compared to pre-industrial times, by 2050 the volume of greenhouse gases emitted may not exceed the amount removed from the atmosphere (net-zero target). The long-term climate strategy adopted by the government in January 2021 sets out how Switzerland can achieve this goal. It is thus complying with the Paris Agreement (Article 4.19), which calls on all countries to draw up climate strategies for the period up to 2050.
Long-term climate strategy: Goals and content
The starting point for the long-term climate strategy was the net-zero target for 2050, adopted in August 2019. The strategy outlines strategic principles and proposes climate goals and emission pathways for a range of sectors, including building, industry, transport, international aviation, agriculture and nutrition, waste, synthetic gases and the financial markets.
The long-term climate strategy is largely based on the SFOE's Energy Perspectives 2050+, which were published in late November 2020.
It sets out how Switzerland can reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by around 90 per cent by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. The remaining emissions must be offset with negative emission technologies.
Information on negative emission technologies:
Amendments to long-term climate strategy in January 2025
In January 2025, the Federal Council approved amendments to the long-term climate strategy. These are in addition to the targets for the year 2035, which Switzerland submitted to the UN Climate Change Secretariat in January 2025 as well. The amendments include updated information on the political and scientific environment.
Further information
News
Documents
Links
UNFCCC: Communication of long-term strategies
Overview of long-term strategies submitted
Last modification 29.01.2025
