Switzerland makes progress on environmental footprint but gaps remain

According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), Switzerland reduced its environmental impact per capita by one third between 2000 and 2022. Nevertheless, according to the agency’s new report, it continues to exceed planetary boundaries. +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox According to the country profile, progress has been made in air quality, forest biodiversity, and resource management. At the same time, major challenges remain: two-thirds of the environmental damage caused by domestic demand occurs abroad, compounded by climate change and overuse of resources. As countermeasures, the EEA pointed to national laws such as the CO2 Act and the Climate and Innovation Act, as well as programs such as the Action Plan against Food Waste and recommendations for resource-efficient nutrition. Although the report also shows successes in reducing greenhouse gases and air pollutants in a European comparison, the overall situation of nature remains worrying. The ...