On the 28th of August, Switzerland announced a new environmental goal: reducing their gas emissions to zero percent by 2050. This goal is an improvement to the one taken during 2016’s Paris agreement, which was reducing their emissions to 70-85%, to try to limit global warming to 1.5 degree. The government already has some ways into achieving it: raising the carbon taxes on fuels, establishing taxes on plane tickets and more. This goal shows the willingness of Switzerland to protect climate then concerned about global warming, facing glacial melting, flooding and landslides on its territory. Made a few weeks before a UN meeting where the Paris Agreement members will be expected to raise their environmental actions, this decision could make all the difference. To read more click here.
Questions:
1. Do you think this announcement shows a country involved in the fight against climate change, after their 2011's decision to leave nuclear energy by 2034?
- I think it shows that Switzerland really wants to act and reduce at best its impact on global warming.
2. This goal will inspire other countries? Will a small country like this make any difference?
- I hope it will convince others to do the same, or at least make some efforts. And even if it's a small difference, it shows that the swiss population is trying to get a better world for everyone.
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