FOEN speaks plainly: Switzerland’s footprint must be reduced by two thirds
20.10.2022
According to the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), Switzerland's per capita environmental impact fell by a quarter between 2000 and 2018. But that is not enough. "The current values far exceed the planetary boundaries," writes the FOEN on the study that has just been published. "Based on Switzerland's environmental goals and legal limits, the total environmental impact would have to be reduced by about two-thirds compared to today, according to the study."
SDSN Switzerland welcomes the clear words of the FOEN. In particular, the study clearly shows the extent to which Switzerland has a negative impact on the environment outside the country’s borders. In the area of biodiversity, for example, although the domestic footprint decreased from 2000 to 2018, the total footprint still grew, mainly due to the consumption of imported goods.
"All actors must contribute," writes the FOEN, naming industry, science, and consumers. SDSN Switzerland supports this statement but also calls for solutions on the part of politicians: industry needs to be sure that its investments in resource-saving products will pay off, and consumers need an appropriate framework and incentives to change their consumption patterns.
SDSN Switzerland welcomes the clear words of the FOEN. In particular, the study clearly shows the extent to which Switzerland has a negative impact on the environment outside the country’s borders. In the area of biodiversity, for example, although the domestic footprint decreased from 2000 to 2018, the total footprint still grew, mainly due to the consumption of imported goods.
"All actors must contribute," writes the FOEN, naming industry, science, and consumers. SDSN Switzerland supports this statement but also calls for solutions on the part of politicians: industry needs to be sure that its investments in resource-saving products will pay off, and consumers need an appropriate framework and incentives to change their consumption patterns.