Tens of thousands demand climate action in Swiss capital

Organizers stated that over 60,000 demonstrators gathered in Bern, the capital of Switzerland, on Saturday, demanding stronger measures to combat climate change. This marked a rare occurrence of large protests in the country and reflects the increasing frustration among the public regarding the slow pace of policy-making to address global warming, despite the ample evidence of its impact. The shrinking of Switzerland’s glaciers by 10% within two years and the record-breaking temperatures experienced in September, with the country warming at a rate more than twice the global average, serve as vivid indicators. Georg Klingler, a participant from Greenpeace, highlighted the loss of hope due to the government’s approval of new roads and delayed climate law, but found solace in the unity felt during the march.

The Green Party, which expanded its presence in the previous parliamentary election but lacks representation in the ruling cabinet, estimated the participation of over 60,000 individuals. However, the Bern police spokesperson refrained from providing an estimate. The Green Party expressed their discontent, citing the hindrance of rapid, consistent, and effective climate protection by the bourgeois-majority Parliament. Emphasizing the need for change in the upcoming October 22 legislative poll, they added, “We need a change at the next elections.”

According to the research consortium Climate Action Tracker, Switzerland’s policies are deemed “insufficient.” The country’s voters approved a draft climate law in June, which aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 by implementing financial incentives for businesses and consumers to transition to renewable energy sources. However, the government disclosed that the law would not come into effect before 2025.

Reporting by Emma Farge, Editing by Andrew Cawthorne