EVELINE RUTZ Recent climate forecasts are alarming enough. Now the SP and the Greens have doubled down, reiterating that temperatures in Switzerland are rising twice as fast as the global average. Without rigorous climate action, the country could face temperature increases of up to 4.9°C by the end of the century. “Heatwaves, drought and torrential rain are becoming more common and threaten both our health and our infrastructure,” says SP co-chair Mattea Meyer. To address the climate crisis – “one of the biggest challenges of our time” – effectively, the left want the state to do more. Essentially, they are proposing the creation of a fund that would be replenished with annual contributions of 0.5 to one per cent of GDP. Their popular initiative – “For a fair energy and climate policy: Investing for prosperity, jobs and the environment (Climate Fund Initiative)” – will be put to the electorate on 8 March 2026. “We will make Switzerland carbon- neutral,” promise the authors of the initiative, which they say will free up 3.9 to 7.7 billion Swiss francs of federal money every year for insulating buildings, supporting the shift to electric The left wants billions in climate investment Should Switzerland invest more to deliver on its climate goals? Yes, according to the Climate Fund Initiative tabled by the SP and the Greens. Opponents say the proposal risks saddling future generations with debt. vehicles and driving the expansion of solar power among other things. The funds would help to promote biodiversity and cover the cost of retraining programmes designed to ensure that enough workers have the necessary skills for jobs in a low-carbon economy. Essentially, the initiative would play a part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050 – an objective approved by voters in 2023. And Switzerland would have more autonomy. “A climate fund will strengthen our energy security, because we will finally wean ourselves off foreign oil and gas,” says Lisa Mazzone, President of the Greens. Critics warn of financial risks But the Federal Council and a majority in parliament see things differently. Their argument is that existing climate policies “combining targeted funding, legislation, and economic instruments” will deliver the desired reduction in CO2. Policies that are focused and establish effective incentives without the need for broad-based subsidies – or further funding. The Confederation and cantons currently spend around two billion francs a year on energy and climate measures, with 600 million francs set aside for promoting biodiversity. The glacial collapse and resultant landslide that obliterated Blatten. Events like this have upped the political ante. Climate change is an established reality in Switzerland, say supporters of the initiative. The consequences are now more dramatic than ever. Photo: Keystone The evacuated village of Brienz/Brinzauls – crumbling mountains epitomise the increasing real-life threat posed by climate change. Photo: Keystone Swiss Review / February 2026 / No.1 20 Politics
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