What is Switzerland's pathway to limit global warming to 1.5°C?
Current Situation
Emissions profile
Switzerland’s power sector is already close to achieving zero carbon status, with just a small amount of natural gas generation remaining.1 Transport sector emissions in 2018 were slightly higher than 1990 levels, increasing its share of total emissions to roughly a third – the largest sectoral emissions source.2 Building sector emissions have fallen over the same period, but remain high at 25% of total emissions in 2018.
Industry and agriculture emissions have fallen only slightly since 1990, making up 21% and 13% of total emissions in 2018 respectively, which is the same share of total emissions as in 1990. Total emissions under current policies are projected to reach between 26-31% below 1990 levels by 2030 (excluding LULUCF).3
Switzerland's current GHG emissions
MtCO₂e/yr
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Graph description
Historical emissions per gas and per sector. Last available LULUCF data point: -1.291 Mt CO2eq (2018)
Data References
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Energy system
While Switzerland’s high penetration of renewables and nuclear energy mean its power sector is almost decarbonised, a lack of stringent policies in the transport sector has allowed it to become the only sector to see higher emissions in 2019 than 1990 levels.4
Vehicle emissions standards for new cars are in line with those adopted by the EU; a maximum of 95 gCO₂/km for light vehicles and 147 gCO₂/km for vans and light trucks in 2020.5 However, in 2020 average values in Switzerland for these two vehicle classes sat at 124 and 176 gCO₂/km respectively, falling considerably short of these 2020 targets.6-7
The share of fossil fuels in total primary energy was 54% in 2017, primarily due to consumption of petroleum products in the transport sector and natural gas in the buildings sector.8
Targets and commitments
Economy-wide targets
Target type
Base year emissions target
NDC target
Overall NDC Target:
- As expressed by the country: at least 50% below 1990 levels by 2030 (incl. LULUCF).
- Re-expressed excluding LULUCF below selected baseline: 48-50% below 1990 levels by 2030 (excl. LULUCF).
Domestic NDC Target:
- 30% below 1990 levels by 2030 (incl. LULUCF).
Market mechanisms
- Swiss emissions trading scheme was linked to the EU ETS in January 2020 and covers the power, industry, and aviation sector (domestic and EEA destinations).9
Long-term target
- Net zero GHG emissions by 2050 (incl. LULUCF).
Sectoral targets
Transport
- 15% electric vehicle share of new vehicle sales by 2022.10
- 15% reduction in passenger vehicle emissions below 2020 levels between 2025-2029, 37.5% below 2021 level in 2030.11
- 31% reduction in van and light truck emissions below 2021 levels by 2030.12
- 30% reduction in heavy duty vehicle emissions below 2020 levels by 2030.13
Agriculture
- At least a 33% reduction below 1990 levels by 2050.14