DISCLAIMER: Only the short report (Summary for Policymakers) is available in English. The main report with references is only available in German and French. All links in this short report point to the German main report.
This report provides an up-to-date overview of the most important scientific findings on climate change. The focus is on specific knowledge relating to Switzerland. It highlights the current status of climate change, its consequences and expected future developments, risks and possible courses of action. The report, and in particular the summary for decision-makers that follows hereunder, is aimed at users in politics, administration, business, education and civil society. Around 60 researchers contributed their specialist expertise as authors or reviewers to the 2026 report ‘Brennpunkt Klima Schweiz’.
In addition to the scientific review, selected stakeholders were invited to provide feedback on the clarity and usefulness of the summary. This consultation was intended to improve the presentation of the content and ensure it was communicated in a way that was appropriate for the target audience; it did not constitute a substantive assessment of the content.
The statements in this summary are followed by references to the relevant chapters in the main report (available in French and German), where further information and the corresponding scientific sources can be found. The main sources for the report are the IPCC AR6 reports for general information and the Swiss climate scenarios of ‘Climate CH2025’ for Switzerland-specific data on climate development. It should be noted that these sources have cut-off dates for the inclusion of literature and that newer literature may have been published since then.
Global warming of the climate system is scientifically proven beyond doubt (1.1.1). On average, the global surface temperature in the years 2015–2024 was around 1.2 °C higher than in the pre-industrial reference period 1850–1900 (1.1.1). Different regions of the world are warming at different rates: in Europe, the increase is around 2.2 °C (1.1.2), and in Switzerland it is as high as 2.8 °C for the same period (1.1.3). This means that Switzerland is warming at more than twice the global average rate (1.1.3). This above-average warming is mainly due to Switzerland’s geographical location in continental Europe and the decline in snow and ice cover (1.1.3).
The main cause of global warming has also been scientifically proven beyond doubt: it is the human-made increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases, primarily CO2, followed by methane and nitrous oxide (1.1.1). The main factors responsible for the increase in greenhouse gas concentrations are the use of fossil fuels, land use and land use changes, as well as production patterns in the economy and the consumption behaviour of the population (1.1.1).
Global greenhouse gas emissions have risen steadily since around 1960, although the rate of growth has slowed somewhat in recent years (1.3.1). Many European countries, including Switzerland, have been able to reduce their domestic, production-based per capita emissions, at least in part (1.3.1). However, the countries of the Global North continue to be responsible for the majority of cumulative emissions since the beginning of industrialisation (3.1.6).
The official recording and allocation of emissions to countries is based on the territorial principle: emissions are counted according to the country in which they are emitted. In Switzerland, around one third of these emissions come from transport, a fifth from industry and buildings (households and services) and one sixth from agriculture (1.1.3 and info box 1). These figures do not take into account emissions generated during the production of imported goods abroad. These are particularly relevant for Switzerland, as a large proportion of Swiss consumption is based on imported products. These ‘consumption-based’ emissions are around twice as high as domestic ‘production-based’ emissions (1.1.3, info box 1 and Fig. 6).
Switzerland is already experiencing the effects of climate change in many ways. Average temperatures are rising steadily, and extreme events such as heat waves, droughts and heavy precipitation have increased significantly since the beginning of the 20th century (1.2.3 A and 1.2.3 B). In recent years, there have been a number of very hot summers, which have led to numerous heat-related deaths, many of which would not have occurred without global warming (1.2.3 G).
Significant impacts on the natural environment are being observed in the Alps: the melting of glaciers is clearly visible, while the thawing of permafrost is less apparent (1.2.3 E). Both destabilise the subsoil and increase the risk of mass movements such as rockfalls and debris flows (1.2.3 E). The rise in the zero-degree line leads to less snow cover and changing conditions for ecosystems (1.2.3 E, 1.2.3 C). In general, cold-loving species are disappearing from fauna and flora, while heat-loving species are increasing (1.2.3 C). Forests are particularly affected, both by drought and by the spread of pests (1.2.3 D), as are crops and livestock (1.2.3 F).
Society is directly affected by global warming, primarily through its adverse effects on physical and mental health (1.2.3 G). The health impacts are particularly significant in cities, where the heat island effect amplifies the consequences of warming (1.2.3 H). On the other hand, the population is also indirectly affected by the increasing intensity and frequency of natural hazards and extreme events and their economic consequences (1.2.3 I).
The economy is also already affected in many ways. Winter tourism, for example, is suffering from declining snow reliability and increasing natural hazards (1.2.3 I). In agriculture, the growing season is getting longer, which is opening up new crops and sometimes higher yields (1.2.3 F). At the same time, the need for irrigation is growing, and extreme weather like heavy rain and drought is causing more crop failures (1.2.3 F). Extreme weather events also pose challenges for the finance and insurance sectors, as the cost of damage is rising (1.2.3 I, 2.3.2 I). Furthermore, global supply chains, on which the Swiss economy and many companies are particularly dependent, are affected by impacts associated with global warming (1.2.3 I).
Future climate change depends heavily on the extent of global emission reductions (2.2.1). Even if the signatory states to the Paris Agreement achieve their currently announced emission reduction targets (Nationally Determined Contributions, NDCs), global warming is expected to exceed the +1.5 °C warming limit by 2030 (2.2.1). Models show that, without additional measures, the implementation of the national contributions announced by countries to date will lead to an increase in global average temperature of around 2.6 °C by 2100 (2.2.1). If, on the other hand, the measures currently planned are not fully implemented and greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, the global average temperature increase would be 3 to 4 °C (2.2.1). Particularly critical for the global climate are the so-called tipping points: if certain global warming thresholds are exceeded, abrupt or irreversible changes in the climate system will occur (2.1.2). These include, for example, the melting of the Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets, which would cause global sea levels to rise significantly (2.1.2). The critical thresholds vary depending on the process and are so far only known in broad terms (2.1.2). Such processes can also indirectly affect Switzerland through global trade links (2.3.2 A). Switzerland is also expected to continue to see significantly higher warming than the global average in the future, albeit somewhat less pronounced than in recent decades (2.2.2).
The future consequences of global warming in Switzerland will generally follow the same pattern as those already observed (2.2.2). They will, however, continue to be exacerbated in terms of their frequency and intensity (2.2.2). This aggravation is disproportionate in some cases, particularly for extreme events: for instance, extreme daily maximum temperatures, that previously occurred only once every 50 years (statistically, according to the reference period 1991-2020) will occur around 2.5 times more frequently with global warming of 1.5 °C, and around 17 times more frequently with global warming of 3 °C (2.3.2. A). The health consequences of heat extremes are particularly significant in cities and conurbations and also have an impact on the economy, for instance through declining labour productivity in hot weather (2.3.2 A). Other relevant climate change risks for Switzerland include the increasing likelihood of natural hazards, changes in habitats and species composition, and climate change-induced disruptions to international supply chains (2.3.2 A). It can be assumed that the overall economic costs of unabated climate change will be significantly higher globally than the costs of effective mitigation (2.3.2 I).
As warming continues, the likelihood of reaching the limits of adaptation increases – for example, when protective infrastructure becomes disproportionately expensive or technically inadequate (3.2.2 A). In Switzerland, situations may become increasingly common in which cost-benefit considerations lead to the abandonment of infrastructures in highly endangered areas, rather than protecting them at all costs (3.2.2 A).
Under the 2015 Paris Agreement, countries committed to the goal of limiting global warming to well below 2 °C and, if possible, to 1.5 °C (1.3.1). International cooperation is an essential component of a coherent Swiss climate policy (info box 2). The instruments of the Paris Agreement – such as climate finance, technology transfer, capacity building as well as international market mechanisms such as emissions trading – have contributed to increased climate action worldwide (3.1.3). Nevertheless, collective efforts remain well below the level required to meet the Paris climate targets (3.2.1).
With its long-term climate strategy, the CO2 Act and the Climate and Innovation Act, Switzerland has committed itself to the net-zero target as well as taken corresponding measures and set targets for reducing emissions (1; info box 2). Today, Switzerland has numerous options for rapid decarbonisation, particularly in the areas of transport and heat generation (3.1.1; 3.2.1). The development of these options to date, and in the future, depends largely on climate and energy policy, such as efficiency standards, the promotion of renewable energies and environmental levies (3.1.1).
Switzerland’s strategic and legally binding targets are consistent with the targets set out in the Paris Agreement (3.2.2 A). However, the measures adopted to date are insufficient to achieve these goals (3.2.2 A). Furthermore, there is a lack of both targets and measures to reduce import-based emissions and emissions associated with Swiss financial flows (3.2.2 A). The plan to meet the net zero target also relies on the purchase of foreign emission credits (3.1.3). This approach may be more cost-effective in the short term, but has only limited benefits in the medium and long term: firstly, the effectiveness of the emission reductions achieved in this manner is generally questioned; secondly, it potentially delays the necessary reduction progress domestically, meaning that the remaining emissions must then be reduced very quickly within Switzerland (3.2.2 A; 2.3.2 I).
In addition to the measures introduced in Switzerland to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, steps have already been taken to adapt to the consequences of climate change (3.2.2 A). The 2020–2025 Action Plan, which builds on the 2012 Swiss Adaptation Strategy, contains cross-sectoral measures for knowledge building, coordination and strategy implementation, as well as sector-specific measures in areas such as water management, agriculture and health (3.2.2 A). Many cantons have already developed heat action plans, some are implementing heat protection measures as part of urban planning processes (1.4.3; 3.2.2 G), and protection against natural hazards is being further expanded (1.4.3; 3.2.2 B). Some of these measures are already showing the desired effect: For example, the population has already adapted to some extent to higher temperatures, and the impact of moderate heat has decreased slightly (1.4.3). As temperatures continue to rise, the necessary investments in adaptation measures at all federal levels are likely to increase significantly and may in some cases reach the limits of feasibility and require cost-benefit considerations (3.2.2 A).
Climate change raises fundamental global questions of justice (3.1.6):
The Paris Agreement therefore established the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities”. For Switzerland, this implies that as a wealthy country with high per capita emissions and considerable technological and financial capacity, it bears a particularly high level of responsibility. This includes rapidly reducing its own emissions, supporting low-emission development pathways and independent adaptation in poorer countries, and contributing to compensation for climate damage and losses (3.1.6). The question of whether many wealthy countries – including Switzerland – have made their promised financial contributions to support the Global South to the agreed extent is the subject of ongoing debate (3.1.3).
Many sectoral measures to mitigate climate change have significant additional social, economic or environmental benefits (co-benefits) (3.1.1). For example, measures in the transport and building sectors can not only reduce emissions, but also improve air quality, human health, and overall quality of life(3.2.2 G and H). In addition, measures to protect biodiversity can make a significant contribution to climate protection and adaptation (3.2.2 C), and ambitious climate protection measures can also stimulate the economy and promote innovation (2.3.2 I; 3.2.2 I). Where conflicts of interest exist, these can be reduced through careful planning, management and regulation (3.2.2 C). Overall, climate protection measures offer more synergies than conflicts with sustainable development goals (3.1.5).
A significant and rapid shift in investment towards technologies and infrastructure that are both low-carbon and climate-resilient can reduce loss and damage to people and ecosystems (3.1.1). The implementation of such innovations requires broad social acceptance and takes time (3.1.1). Effective climate policy therefore requires coordination across all levels of government and the involvement of civil society and the private sector (3.1.1; 3.1.2). Broadly supported networks and partnerships between government, business, science and civil society can accelerate climate protection and increase the acceptance of climate measures through the inclusion of local perspectives (3.1.1; 3.1.2).
The Swiss financial centre plays a key role in the implementation of climate measures. With its large amounts of capital, it would be able to support climate protection much more than it has done to date if investments were consistently aligned with climate targets (2.3.2 I). So far, this has not been done sufficiently (3.2.2 I). Companies also hold considerable potential, particularly in promoting the circular economy, i.e. the resource-efficient use of materials throughout the entire supply chain (3.2.2 I). Sector agreements are the most promising in this regard (3.2.2 I). There is great untapped potential in the areas of food, construction and housing, private mobility, mechanical engineering and the chemical industry (3.2.2 I).
In addition to the private financial sector, public finances also play a decisive role. Appropriately designed financial and tax policies are key to achieving climate targets and ensuring social compensation mechanisms (3.2.2 I; 3.1.1). Investments by the federal government, cantons and municipalities in climate-friendly innovations and infrastructure have a significant leverage effect (3.1.1). The elimination of tax reliefs for fossil fuels could also reduce emissions by several million tonnes per year (3.2.2 I).
Targeted and understandable communication is key to anchoring climate policy in society (3.1.8). Clear, action-oriented, target group-specific and repeated messages that translate abstract information into concrete national or local contexts are effective (3.1.8). Trustworthy voices from science, politics, business and civil society increase acceptance (3.1.8). Stories, comparisons and visualisations also help to make complex relationships understandable and tangible (3.1.8).
Research shows that a mix of complementary policy instruments is more effective for reducing greenhouse gas emissions than individual measures such as specific bans or subsidies (3.1.2). In Switzerland, a combination of
enable a rapid and effective transition to net zero greenhouse gas emissions (3.1.2). The decisive factor in this mix is that the various instruments are well-coordinated, meaning they complement and reinforce each other.
The achievement of climate targets can be accelerated by combining efficiency and sufficiency measures (see glossary) and replacing fossil fuels (3.2.1; 3.2.2 A). In the Swiss context, mobility decisions (e.g. in air travel) and responsible, resource-efficient dietary habits have significant potential for reduction (3.2.2 A).
Behavioural changes among the population are therefore an important pillar in achieving climate targets. Political and corporate measures can make climate-friendly decisions the easiest choice by designing them accordingly. Examples include (3.1.4; 3.2.2 F):
Effective adaptation measures require coordination across all levels of government (national, regional, local) as well as the involvement of civil society and the private sector (3.2.2 A). In order to promote adaptation measures, Switzerland has established a decentralised coordination approach through the “Climate Change Adaptation Network” (3.2.2 A). The network connects government actors at various federal levels with civil society and the private sector. Federal programmes such as “Adapt+” also promote specific adaptation projects (3.2.2 A). However, these activities may not be sufficient to deal with the expected consequences of climate change (3.2.2 A). To achieve their best possible effectiveness, adaptation measures – such as the adaptation of building regulations, the expansion of natural and technical protective measures, or the climate-friendly design of health and social systems – must be planned for the long-term and take social inequalities and behavioural science findings into account (3.2.1, 3.1.4).
Scientific findings show that although Switzerland has laid important foundations for an effective climate policy with targets, laws and various other measures, the efforts made to date are not sufficient to achieve national climate targets (3.2.2 A). At the same time, climate-related risks continue to increase (2.3.2), and key areas such as the decarbonisation of transport and heat generation (households and industrial processes) (3.2.2 H), as well as greenhouse gas reductions in the agricultural sector and the alignment of financial flows (3.2.2 I) with climate targets continue to be inadequately addressed.
Accelerating climate protection requires decisive and socially equitable transformation. Key levers include redirecting public and private investment towards climate-friendly, resilient infrastructure, phasing out subsidies for fossil fuels, and a well-coordinated mix of regulation, incentives, and market-based steering through carbon pricing (3.1.2; 3.2.2 I). The circular economy (3.2.2 I), sufficiency strategies, and behaviour-steering instruments (3.1.4) are further levers for reducing emissions structurally and permanently. This creates many win-win situations and important co- benefits, including better air quality, health benefits and new economic opportunities through innovative technologies (3.1.5; 3.2.2 G and H).
As a wealthy country with high per capita emissions, Switzerland also bears a special international responsibility (3.1.6). Against this backdrop, from a fairness perspective, international contributions are becoming increasingly important alongside domestic emission reductions, for example in the form of climate financing and support for adaptation measures in the Global South (3.1.6).
Key cross-sectoral options for action can be summarised in four interlinked pillars:
These elements are interdependent: a lack of or too slow a reduction in emissions increases the need for negative emissions and makes climate protection and adaptation more expensive; negative emissions can only compensate for a small part of the lack of the necessary reduction; and a lack of international solidarity weakens global capacity for action. In turn, a coherent, forward-looking climate policy in Switzerland can help to limit risks while at the same time seizing opportunities for sustainable development – both nationally and globally.
Climate change affects different sectors in very different ways. The table below summarises the effects of climate change that have already been observed, how the sectors could develop in the future, and what options are available for mitigating climate change or adapting to its effects by sector. It also shows which other sectors are related to the sector in question. The options for action described are mechanisms and approaches that are already being applied in some cases, could be improved in others, or could be tackled in new ways. The table contains some important points that have been well researched scientifically, but does not provide a complete overview. A more detailed discussion of the respective aspects can be found in the report ‘Focus Climate Switzerland’.
