Background

Switzerland's Environment

Switzerland is one of the world’s foremost leaders in establishing policies to protect the environment, and duly practicing what they preach. They were one of the pioneers in environmental protection, creating the Federal Forestry Law in 1876. In 1953, the Swiss provided further provisions for the protection of the environment by incorporating them into the Federal Constitution. The population consistently votes for eco-friendly policies and voluntarily does their part in keeping the country clean by recycling as much as possible.

Despite ongoing efforts to stem the progress of global warming, the country still faces the prospect of rapidly melting glaciers and reduced water supplies due to a decrease in the annual winter snowpack. As Switzerland’s Alps are considered the “reservoir” for much of the water supply for the rest of continental Europe, this could lead to severe water shortages in the future if additional steps are not taken to significantly reduce greenhouse gases.

Due to Switzerland’s ideal topography of lakes and valleys, hydroelectric power is the foremost generator of energy produced by the country. Three-fifths of Switzerland’s domestic energy output comes from hydroelectricity, and one-third from nuclear plants. Unfortunately, half of the country’s energy needs are still being met by imported oil, used for winter heating needs.

Switzerland’s Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) is part of the Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications, and is responsible for the country’s environmental policies and is exploring new methods of creating renewable energy sources.