Topic Natural hazards

With its many mountains and bodies of water, Switzerland is highly prone to natural hazards. Extensive and growing settlements and infrastructure increase the potential for damage. Climate change will exacerbate the existing risks and create new ones, such as more frequent and intense heavy precipitation and longer periods of drought. Natural hazards will increasingly occur in areas that have not been affected thus far, and at unusual times of the year. This makes a well-informed, forward-looking approach to natural hazards even more important.

Are extremes the new normal? In the alpine region, warming has increased about twice as much as the global average since the late 19th century. Switzerland is particularly affected by the impacts of climate change. This affects a wide variety of areas of society and natural and cultural areas in Switzerland. Observations show that climate change is already influencing the natural hazard situation. The Confederation is taking various measures.

Einen absoluten Schutz vor Naturgefahren gibt es nicht. Die Erfahrungen aus vergangenen Naturereignissen haben gezeigt, dass der Umgang mit Naturgefahren ganzheitlich und nachhaltig erfolgen muss. Ziel aller Massnahmen ist es, bestehende Risiken auf ein akzeptables Mass zu reduzieren und neue, inakzeptable Risiken zu verhindern. Der Schutz vor Naturgefahren ist eine Verbundaufgabe.

New challenges are emerging in Switzerland as climate change, urban development and land use densification increase the risks due to natural hazards. To remain adaptable, we need to be able to detect changes and developments at an early stage.