The Swiss government on Friday, November 15, 2024, announced its updated 2021-2030 climate action plan, or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), which features a topline target of 50% reduction in emissions by 2030, based on 1990 levels.
However, environment watchdog, 350.org, has picked holes in the document, saying that it is not an improvement to the country’s existing NDC.
“While in principle enhancing ambition this decade is critical, the updated 2030 target does not do that and is a disappointment,” the group stated.
According to the IPCC, emissions need to be halved by 2030 – this means rich countries and big historic emitters must go further and faster to cut carbon emissions in this timeframe.
“For a country like Switzerland, one of the richest places on the planet, a 50% cut is far from sufficient,” the group added.
Nicolò Wojewoda, Europe Director at 350.org, said: “Countries, particularly wealthy, historically significant emitters like Switzerland, must not only submit their 2035 climate targets but also take bold action within this critical decade.
“Yet, Switzerland’s updated 2030 target fails to include more ambitious emissions reductions, offering instead a bureaucratic ‘eager beaver’ response to various UN decisions in relation to NDCs.
“Without stronger ambition and clear, sector-specific targets, progress will falter. Moreover, at this ‘Finance COP’, Switzerland must put greater climate finance on the table to pay its fair share and support global efforts to combat the climate crisis.”
