Switzerland urges global climate ambition ahead of COP30 in Brazil

Switzerland has issued a call for heightened global climate action, urging all countries to present ambitious new emissions reduction targets ahead of the upcoming COP30 conference in Brazil. The appeal from Bern specifically emphasizes the responsibility of major emitting nations to strengthen their commitments under the Paris Agreement framework.

Core Demands for Belem Summit

Swiss Environmental Ambassador Felix Wertli outlined the key objectives for the November talks in Belem, where nearly 200 countries will convene. "The aim is for countries to take stock of their achievements under the Paris Agreement and identify where improvements are needed to close the gap to the 1.5-degree target," Wertli stated. He described the continued multinational cooperation on climate change as a significant success amid ongoing global tensions.

Switzerland's Domestic Commitment

Leading by example, Switzerland submitted its revised climate pledge earlier this year, committing to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 65% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels. The Swiss delegation is also advocating for increased international investment in climate protection, greater involvement from the private sector, and the establishment of standardized, globally comparable metrics for climate adaptation efforts.

Assessment of Global Progress

While acknowledging that climate action has slipped on many national political agendas, Wertli noted that no other country has followed the US in withdrawing from the Paris Accord. He provided a measured assessment of progress, indicating that projected global warming has decreased from 4°C to between 2.3°C and 2.8°C since 2015. However, he confirmed that the world is not currently on track to meet the critical 1.5-degree Celsius target.