The referendum was spearheaded by a slew of experts concerned over the melting rate of Switzerland’s famed glaciers…
ADVERTISEMENT
Switzerland has voted in favour of achieving net-zero status by the year 2050.
The referendum was spearheaded by a slew of experts and environmentalists concerned by the country’s famed glaciers – which are melting away at a rapid rate.
According to local broadcasters, 59.1 percent of voters backed the climate bill.
The legislation also calls for a staggering 3 billion Swiss Francs (around £2.6 billion) to be used to help residents and companies move away from fossil fuels.
Switzerland backs climate bill
Greenpeace Switzerland’s climate expert Georg Klingler was one of many who welcomed the victory.
According to reports, he said: “The result of the vote shows that the citizens of our country are committed to the aim of limiting global warming to 1.5 Celsius in order to preserve as much as possible our glaciers, our water reserves, our agriculture and our prosperity.
“I’m very relieved to see that the lies disseminated by the opposite camp during the campaign did not sow the seed of doubt in people.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Environmentalists have expressed concern as the country's glaciers are melting away at a rapid rate. Photo © Ryszard Filipowicz via Adobe Stock
A strong signal’
Glaciologist Matthias Hus, who has been studying the country’s declining glaciers, also hailed the bill’s passing.
Taking to Twitter, he wrote: “The Swiss population sends out a strong signal… The law for bringing the country to net zero emissions was accepted today!
“What started with the glacier initiative several years ago has now come to an end. Very happy that the arguments of climate science were heard!”
Confused about the difference between net zero carbon and carbon neutral? Let Dr. Torill Bigg explain…
Featured image © swisshippo via Adobe Stock
