Cantonal Climate Policy: Good Framework Conditions, Insufficient Impact

The OK Klima project has conducted an in-depth analysis of climate policy in seven cantons, which account for about half of Switzerland’s population. The assessment makes it clear that there is a greater need for action in the areas of consumption and finance, while a foundation has been laid in other areas. It also shows that in some cantons, there is a gap between the established regulatory framework and the actual situation on the ground. In light of these findings, OK Klima emphasizes that implementation must be accelerated urgently and funding increased in order to finally put effective climate measures into practice.

While climate policy at the federal level is making only slow progress, the cantons have numerous tools at their disposal to achieve the net-zero target by 2035. This target is a prerequisite for staying within the 1.5°C limit set out in the Paris Agreement.

The OK Klima project, which is made possible in part by the Migros Pioneer Fund, has assessed the climate policy frameworks of seven cantons across eight areas: governance, mobility, energy, buildings, ecosystems, consumption, the economy, and finance.

Good examples, but there's still a lot of work to be done

One of the positive examples in German-speaking Switzerland is the canton of Basel-Stadt, with «BaselCircular»—a public-private partnership aimed at financing and connecting companies in the circular economy—as well as its own climate strategy for the public administration. The canton of Lucerne is considered a role model in the area of monitoring its climate strategy, thereby providing transparent information to the public.

In French-speaking Switzerland, the investment loan of one billion francs for the ecological transition of its public buildings—which was approved in the Canton of Geneva—is particularly noteworthy. The canton of Vaud, on the other hand, recently published its strategy for sustainable institutional food service, which covers cantonal cafeterias (schools, prisons, hospitals, and government offices) and offers support to municipalities.

Overall, governance is the area in which the framework conditions receive the highest ratings. This shows that the cantons evaluated have developed climate strategies and established a framework for climate policy, for example by enacting new laws.

In contrast, the current situation regarding consumption is rated as «very poor» in all cantons surveyed, and the framework conditions also receive an unsatisfactory rating in a majority of the cantons. This is all the more concerning given that 75 percent of Switzerland’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2023 originated abroad, primarily from the production of imported goods and services. Even though the federal government’s and the cantons« reduction targets apply only to direct emissions within Swiss territory, combating indirect (or »gray,” consumption-related) emissions remains essential to achieving a real impact on the climate.

Finally, the financial sector is also among the sectors with the lowest ratings. Investments in fossil fuels—particularly those made by pension funds—have a major impact on the greenhouse gas emissions of the Swiss financial center.

In summary, it should be noted that in several cantons there is a discrepancy between adequate to good framework conditions and a current situation that is assessed as inadequate: «For effective and sustainable climate protection measures, the cantons must not only establish ambitious framework conditions aimed at net-zero emissions and climate justice, but also put these plans into practice by implementing concrete measures and providing the necessary funding,» explains Manuela Liem, Head of Evaluations in German-speaking Switzerland.

A Foundation for Local Engagement

This publication adds more than 50 new indicators to those already available on the Ok-Klima.ch platform regarding climate policy in Switzerland’s cantons and municipalities. The relevant departments within the cantonal administrations were given the opportunity to provide feedback to help complete the individual questions. Local civil society groups were also consulted.

OK Klima aims to increase transparency regarding local climate policy and to support civil society actors in their efforts to promote effective climate protection. Based on the data collected, it is possible to identify areas where each canton needs to take action and to substantiate calls for more ambitious measures. OK Klima supports individuals and groups in this effort by providing recommendations for action and advice.

Source: Climate Alliance Switzerland