Keywords A–Z
A
Aarhus Convention
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)’s convention on access to information, public participation in decision-making processes and access to justice in environmental matters was signed in Aarhus, Denmark in 1998 and came into effect in 2001. Switzerland ratified the Convention in March 2014 and has been a party to the agreement since 1 June 2014.
Activities in contained use
Activities with genetically modified organisms, alien organisms subject to compulsory containment or pathogenic organisms in contained use.
Adaptation to climate change
Climate change is increasing the risk and frequency of heatwaves, droughts and heavy rainfall. To combat these and other effects of climate change, adaptation measures are needed alongside measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Air pollution
C
Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity is the first international legally binding tool regarding biosafety in biotechnology.
Circular economy
In a circular economy, raw materials and products are used efficiently and for as long as possible.
CO₂ levy
The CO2 levy creates an incentive to consume less energy and to use climate-friendly energy sources. Since 2008, it has been raised as an incentive tax on fossil fuels such as heating oil and natural gas. Most of the revenue is redistributed to the public and businesses. This benefits those who consume less fossil fuel.
E
Emissions trading system (ETS)
Emissions trading is the trading of allowances to emit a certain quantity of greenhouse gases. In the Emissions Trading System (ETS), emissions are reduced where costs are comparatively low – according to market logic.
Enforcement
The federal government sets out the objectives of environmental protection in 12 federal acts and 74 ordinances. Enforcement is the practical implementation of environmental legislation. The cantons are primarily responsible for enforcing federal legislation. In areas such as gene technology or waste import and export, the federal authorities are directly responsible for enforcing the law, as is the case with other federal laws (railways, national roads, aerodromes etc.).
Enforcement aids and notices to applicants
As the supervisory authority, the FOEN publishes guidelines on environmental law aimed primarily at the authorities responsible for enforcing the law.
Environmental data and geodata of the FOEN
Data, monitoring programmes and measurement networks of the FOEN
Environmental reports
National and international publications on the state of the environment.
Environmental research
Environmental research provides a basis for the early detection and analysis of environmental problems and for developing solutions to protect our environment and resources. It is essential for developing and efficiently implementing environmental policy. The FOEN conducts strongly practice-oriented research so that policy-makers and the authorities can make direct use of the findings to conduct their tasks.
Espoo Convention
The Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (known as the Espoo Convention) was adopted on 25 February 1991 in Espoo, Finland. It came into force in Switzerland on 10 September 1997. It is also in force in all neighbouring States.
Experimental releases
Experimental releases of genetically modified organisms, pathogenic organisms or alien small invertebrates: Legal bases, competence, applications and authorisations.