This Act passes Switzerland's net zero target into law and provides a framework for climate action.
Article 1 outlines the objective of the Act:
a. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction and apply negative emissions technologies (NETs);
b. Climate change adaptation;
c. Align financial flows with low-emissions and climate change resilient development.
Pursuant to Article 3 para. 1 Switzerland must reach net zero by 2050. Post-2050, negative GHG emissions must be achieved (para. 2). Notably, para. 6 clarifies that to this end emissions used for international aviation and shipping that are refuelled in Switzerland are to be taken into account. The Act also sets interim targets (para. 3):
a. On average over the period 2031-2040: 64%;
b. By 2040: 75%;
c. On average over the period 2041-2050: 89%.
Article 4 sets benchmarks for the buildings, transportation and industry sectors.
The Act also requires companies to reach net zero by 2050 in article 5 para. 1. This includes scope 1 and 2 emissions. To this end, companies may set up transition plans (para. 2). To incentivise companies to devise transition plans in a timely manner, the Federation shall provide companies or sectors that draw up transition plans by 2029 with support.
Pursuant to article 11 para. 2, this Act shall be implemented primarily through the CO2 Act, which is currently in the process of being revised.
This law was passed by parliament in September 2022. The Swiss People's Party took a referendum against the Act, but it was approved by a majority on June 18th 2023. The Swiss government must now decide when it enters into force.
