Switzerland's mountain ecosystems make the country particularly vulnerable to climate change. A globally coordinated approach is nonetheless essential since greenhouse gas emissions do not respect national borders. International climate protection is therefore a key priority for Switzerland.
1. Switzerland’s climate targets under the Paris Agreement (Nationally Determined Contribution, NDC)
The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to an increase of 1.5 °C. It obliges all countries to take concrete steps to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Countries must raise their reduction target every five years. They must also take measures to achieve this and report on progress. Switzerland submitted its last climate target for 2030 in 2017.
At its meeting on 29 January 2025, the Federal Council approved Switzerland's new greenhouse gas reduction target under the Paris Agreement for the period 2031 to 2035. This corresponds to the reduction pathway under Switzerland's Climate and Innovation Act (CIA). By 2035, Switzerland intends to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 65% compared to 1990 levels, and by 59% on average between 2031 and 2035. The objectives are to be achieved primarily through domestic measures. At the same time, the Federal Council approved a supplement to Switzerland's long-term climate strategy.
Switzerland’s communication (NDC 2031-2035):
Annex to the NDC: Contributions to the Global Stocktake:
Switzerland’s communication (NDC 2021-2030):
Switzerland's First Nationally Determined Contibution (NDC) 2021–2030 (PDF, 473 kB, 13.11.2024)Switzerland’s information necessary for clarity, transparency and understanding in accordance with decision 1/CP.21 of its updated and enhanced nationally determined contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement (2021–2030) (Update of 13 November 2024)
Supplement to Switzerland's long-term climate strategy:
Switzerland’s national targets for reducing emissions are detailed here.
Switzerland has communicated its emission reduction targets internationally. The Nationally Determined Contribution is available on the UNFCCC Secretariat registry: Nationally Determined Contributions Registry | UNFCCC.
2. International climate policy: stages and results
Rio, Kyoto, Marrakesh, Cancún and Paris: there have been many stages in the discussion about climate protection. Since the adoption of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1992, the international community has met regularly to limit climate change. The section below details the evolution of the international climate regime.
In 1992, during the Rio Earth Summit, countries adopted the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which came into force in 1994.
The adoption of the UNFCCC was the first step in a concerted international course of action. It officially recognised the importance of climate change, and its human-induced causes linked to greenhouse gas emissions. The Convention aims to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at levels that will not dangerously disrupt the climate. It takes into consideration the differentiated responsibility of industrialised and developing countries by advocating “an effective and appropriate international response, in accordance with their common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities and their social and economic conditions”. Accordingly, it encourages governments to implement strategies to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change, with industrialised countries providing financial and technological support to developing countries and emerging economies. Industrialised countries are therefore committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and helping developing countries reduce their emissions and adapt to climate change, in particular by financing projects through the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The UNFCCC is now universal, ratified by 195 states and the European Union.
In 1997, the countries at the COP3 adopted the Kyoto Protocol. This was the first binding international agreement with quantified commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It came into force in 2005 after being ratified by 55 countries that together accounted for 55% of the CO2 emissions of industrialised countries in 1990. Under the Kyoto Protocol, industrialised countries committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 5.2% compared to 1990 levels from 2008 to 2012, known now as the first commitment period. Individually, these binding targets ranged from -8% to +10% of emissions (-8% for Switzerland and the EU) compared to 1990 levels. The commitments made under this protocol are binding but cover only about 25% of global emissions. In practice, they apply only to industrialised countries, since developing countries are required only to maintain an inventory of their polluting emissions. As a result, the protocol is not binding on countries such as China, India or Brazil. Switzerland met its emission reduction requirements under the Kyoto Protocol in the 2008–2012 period.
At the end of 2012, states agreed to a second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol (Doha Amendment) during the Doha Climate Change Conference. With this amendment, industrialised countries agreed to reduce their emissions by an average of 18% compared to 1990 levels (Switzerland: -20% in 2020; EU: -20% between 2013 and 2020) by 2020. The second commitment period concerns only 14% of global emissions, because the United States and Canada withdrew from the Kyoto Protocol or did not ratify it, and Japan, Russia and New Zealand did not commit to the Doha targets and are therefore no longer bound to the second commitment period. Developing countries that have not made reduction commitments have seen their emissions increase substantially. The second commitment period ran until the end of 2020. A third commitment period is not anticipated.
In 2015, the countries adopted the Paris Agreement. This came into force on 4 November 2016 and took effect from 1 January 2021, i.e. covering the post-2020 period. The Paris Agreement is the first binding international climate convention for all states, both industrialised and developing countries. By ratifying it, states agree to take concrete actions to reduce their emissions and adapt to climate change according to their responsibilities and respective capabilities. Industrialised countries reaffirm their commitment to support developing countries in their efforts to reduce greenhouse gases and adapt to climate change. Other states are now also invited to contribute support. Under the Paris Agreement, all major emitters, including the United States and China, committed for the first time to achieve concrete emission reduction targets. As of 1 May 2020, 189 states had ratified the Paris Agreement, representing nearly 97% of total greenhouse gas emissions. Under President Donald Trump, the United States withdrew from the Paris Agreement at the end of 2020, before rejoining in February 2021 under President Joe Biden. On 20 January 2025, the second Trump administration announced that the United States was once again leaving the Paris Agreement.
The conference of the parties to the Convention (COP), the Kyoto Protocol (CMP) and the Paris Agreement (CMA) take place every year. During these conferences, states examine the progress made and take decisions required to implement these agreements effectively, such as by agreeing on more detailed rules for applying the agreements or on the required institutional and administrative provisions.
2015, COP21 in Paris, France
After years of difficult negotiations, the 195 countries meeting in Paris adopted an agreement on 12 December 2015 that is binding on all states and aims to limit global warming to under two degrees Celcius. Switzerland, which was actively involved in the negotiations, welcomes this outcome. The states must now agree on the detailed rules for implementing the agreement.
2021, COP26 in Glasgow, UK
Celsius target, adopting effective and uniform rules for overseas emission reductions, reporting, and dealing with climate change-related losses and damages. Countries agreed on rules to exclude double counting of emission reductions made abroad. The final rules for the implementation of the Paris Agreement were thus adopted. Switzerland campaigned strongly at the conference to prevent double counting. It had already committed itself to strict market regulation in several bilateral agreements.
2022, COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
States adopted a work programme for climate protection until 2026, which will include sharing best practices on emission reductions. The states also decided on a new fund for the most vulnerable countries to support them in managing the damage caused by climate change. Switzerland welcomes this additional support in principle, although there are still key issues to be clarified.
2023, COP28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
COP28 saw the adoption of the first Global Stocktake decision under the Paris Agreement. This reaffirmed the importance of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 °C and established new global goals and recommendations, particularly regarding the energy transition. These include tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030, while ensuring a transition away from fossil fuels.
2024, COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan
At the 29th Climate Change Conference, countries agreed on a new collective financing target of USD 300 billion annually from 2035 onwards, with an expanded contributor base. The agreement emphasises the need to scale up investment in climate protection measures. Additionally, countries finalised the rules for international market mechanisms that enable them to receive credit for emission reductions achieved abroad.
3. Carbon market under the Paris Agreement
3.1. New market-based mechanisms
3.1.1. Agreements under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement
Greenhouse gas emissions know no borders. Emission reductions therefore have the same overall effect whether they are achieved in Switzerland or abroad. Switzerland’s commitment under the Paris Agreement is to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels (Nationally Determined Contribution, NDC). Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement provides for bilateral or plurilateral cooperation in achieving the NDC. Switzerland therefore concludes bilateral agreements.
3.1.2 Pilot projects on new market-based mechanisms
Switzerland intends to achieve its greenhouse gas reduction target for 2030 thanks in part to international emission reductions. The Paris Agreement provides for new market-based mechanisms that allow states to purchase international emission reductions and count their reductions towards their specific climate goals. The applicable rules have been determined at international level. Switzerland and the Climate Cent Foundation are developing pilot projects to test new approaches and develop practical solutions for the post-2020 period.
3.2. International climate funding
International climate funding is an essential part of Switzerland’s international climate policy. Switzerland is therefore also closely involved in international negotiations on this issue within the context of the UNFCCC. Both within and outside the Convention, it works to find pragmatic solutions to the various challenges around international climate funding, such as the calculation rules and incentive systems for mobilised private funds. It endeavours to make an appropriate contribution to international climate funding and the various climate funds.
The two operational units of the financial mechanism of the UNFCCC are the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), to which Switzerland contributes.
In addition to the GEF and the GCF, there are three other climate funds linked to the UNFCCC:
- The Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) was established in 2001 as part of the financial mechanism of the UNFCCC. This fund is aimed at the specific needs of the least developed countries, primarily the poorest African countries and small island states which are most severely affected by the negative effects of climate change. The LDCF mainly finances national programmes to help these countries adapt to climate change.
- The second specialised climate fund, the Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF), was founded in 2001 as part of the financial mechanism under the Framework Convention on Climate Change. This fund provides additional financing for climate protection measures outlined in the convention, supporting developing and transition countries. A smaller portion is allocated to programmes promoting technology transfer.
- The Adaptation Fund (AF) was launched in 2001 as a financing mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol to fund projects and programmes helping developing countries adapt to climate change. The fund’s main source of financing comes from the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) as defined in the Kyoto Protocol. Each project registered under the CDM pays a 4% levy, half of which is allocated to the Adaptation Fund. At the 2018 Katowice conference, it was decided that the Adaptation Fund should also serve the implementation of the Paris Agreement and receive funding from Article 6.4 mechanisms.
4. Alliances and coalitions in climate negotiations
Switzerland does not act in isolation in international climate negotiations and discussions but collaborates with other countries. It is particularly active in several groups, alliances and coalitions. The following section provides an overview of some of these partnerships.
4.1 Environmental Integrity Group (EIG)
Switzerland is involved in international climate negotiations through the Environmental Integrity Group (EIG), which it chairs. The EIG comprises Georgia, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Mexico, South Korea and Switzerland, and was established during the Kyoto Protocol negotiations, when only groups of parties were permitted to negotiate. As Korea, Mexico and Switzerland were not part of any existing group, they agreed to form the EIG and invited other independent parties to join. The EIG works as a strong advocate for progressive climate policies. Spanning three continents, it is the only negotiating group that includes both industrialised and developing countries, giving it unique scope. The EIG seeks to play a constructive role and can help find common ground between blocs with diverging interests.
4.2 Cartagena Dialogue
Negotiations under the UNFCCC have traditionally been marked by a divide between industrialised and developing countries. The Cartagena Dialogue for Progressive Action was formed to provide an informal forum within the UNFCCC negotiations for delegations from industrialised and developing countries to explore potential solutions beyond the traditional positions of their respective groups. The Cartagena Dialogue is therefore an informal grouping of countries working towards an ambitious, comprehensive and legally binding framework under the Paris Agreement, while being domestically committed to becoming or remaining low-carbon economies. Under the Cartagena Dialogue, experts work year-round to resolve specific negotiating issues and meet in person during the negotiations. Switzerland is an active member of the Cartagena Dialogue, co-chairing a working group on ambition for emission reductions.
5. IPCC - the scientific basis
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was established in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) along with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to provide the necessary scientific, technical and socio-economic information on human-induced climate change.
The IPCC periodically evaluates the causes and effects of climate change and thus provides the necessary information and basis for forming climate policy. It does not make policy recommendations. Today, the IPCC's reports are regarded as the standard reference work for all those involved in climate change: scientists, civil servants and the private sector. Every seven years or so, the IPCC publishes a comprehensive assessment report on climate change.
The IPCC Bureau provides guidance to the Panel on the scientific and technical aspects of IPCC assessments and gives advice on management and strategic issues. It is elected for the duration of an assessment cycle of five to seven years. The Swiss candidate, Professor Sonia Seneviratne (ETH Zurich), was elected to the IPCC Bureau in July 2023 for the seventh cycle (2023–2030).
Each assessment report comprises four volumes, the first three being the reports of the three IPCC thematic working groups and the fourth the synthesis report.
- The Physical Science Basis
- Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability
- Climate Change Mitigation
- Synthesis Report
During its seventh assessment cycle, the IPCC will also prepare a special report on climate change in urban areas, as well as two methodological reports: one on short-lived climate forcers and carbon capture technologies, and another on carbon capture, utilisation and storage.
Summaries of the individual reports are drawn up for policymakers and approved by member states.
Synthesis Report
On 20 March 2023, in Interlaken, Switzerland, the sixth assessment cycle since the convening of the IPCC was concluded with the adoption of the synthesis report. The Synthesis Report summarises the state of knowledge on climate change, its widespread effects and risks, and the opportunities for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change. The Synthesis Report builds on the contributions already published by the three working groups and three special reports. The report examines the current status and trends, presents long-term climate projections, and assesses options for responding to climate change.
Climate Change Mitigation
In April 2022, the IPCC published the third volume of the sixth assessment report. It paints a picture of global greenhouse gas emissions and global warming in various scenarios. It outlines the necessary climate protection measures to ensure that the global temperature increase does not exceed 1.5 °C by the end of the century. These include renewable energies, energy efficiency measures and alternative, sustainable fuels. Emissions that are difficult to avoid must be offset with technologies that remove carbon from the atmosphere and store it (negative emission technologies). The report sets out both the costs and the economic benefits of political climate protection measures.
Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability
The IPCC published the second volume of the sixth series at the end of February 2022. This demonstrates the vulnerability of ecosystems and human systems in the face of climate change. It also assesses present and possible future adaptation strategies to climate change. The report points out that there are major differences between the different parts of the world in this regard. It also identifies a need for action in Europe to minimise the risks of climate change and to make ecosystems and human systems more resilient to its effects.
IPCC 6th Assessment Report - Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability
The Physical Science Basis
The IPCC published the first volume of the sixth assessment report in August 2021. It confirms the findings of previous IPCC reports, namely the contribution of human-induced greenhouse gases to global warming and the link between climate change and increasingly frequent extreme weather events such as heatwaves, heavy rainfall and droughts.
IPCC Special Reports
In 2014 the IPCC published its fifth assessment report. In 2018, it adopted a special report on limiting global warming to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels. It published two further special reports in 2019, one on the oceans and cryosphere, and one on land systems.
Further information
Last modification 11.07.2025
