2035 Carbon Reduction Target
Switzerland updates 2035 carbon reduction target in its Nationally Determined Contributions, aiming to develop a new plan that aligns with emission reduction pathway.
Switzerland plans to reduce carbon emissions by 65% by 2035 and by 59% between 2031 and 2035, with a baseline period of 1990.
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Carbon Reduction Background
Switzerland signed the Paris Agreement in 2015, aiming to achieve net zero by 2050 while taking measures to address climate change and deploying funds consistent with climate goals. In 2021, Switzerland formulated the Long-Term Climate Strategy and submitted it to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Currently, the strategy is still effective.
In December 2023, the signing parties of the Paris Agreement reached an agreement on a long-term climate strategy, which plans to combine Nationally Determined Contributions with the long-term climate strategy. Based on this background, Switzerland submits a long-term climate strategy amendment and a nationally determined contribution from 2031 to 2035.
The total greenhouse gas emissions in Switzerland in 2022 were 45.9 million tons of carbon dioxide, a decrease of 21% compared to 1990. The per capita greenhouse gas emissions are 4.7 tons of carbon dioxide, a decrease of nearly 50% since 1990 and consistently below the global average. Currently, Switzerland’s total carbon emissions account for 0.1% of the global greenhouse gas emissions. From an industry perspective, the emissions of the three high carbon emissions industries of construction, transportation, and industry have been continuously decreasing for many years.
Switzerland Carbon Reduction Legal Framework
In January 2025, both the Swiss Climate and Innovation Act and the Carbon Dioxide Act came into effect, laying the legal foundation for Switzerland’s climate policy. The Climate and Innovation Act is a framework for Switzerland’s medium – to long-term climate policy development, which sets greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and benchmarks for key industries. Based on 1990, carbon emissions need to decrease by 75% by 2040 and achieve net zero by 2050. From 2025 to 2030, Switzerland will provide 1.2 billion Swiss francs to support the development of carbon capture and storage and carbon removal technologies.
The Carbon Dioxide Act sets short-term carbon emission targets for Switzerland, with a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 based on 1990, and a 35% reduction in carbon emissions from 2021 to 2030. The bill stipulates a carbon tax of 120 Swiss francs per segment of carbon dioxide, with most of the revenue used for energy-efficient building construction and renewable energy applications. The Swiss Emissions Trading System will closely monitor the development of the EU Emissions Trading System and gradually reduce free quotas.
In addition to the above-mentioned bills, some regulatory agencies have also formulated policies related to climate change and carbon emissions. In June 2021, Switzerland released its 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy, with climate, energy, and biodiversity as its priority themes. In January 2024, Switzerland released the Ordinance on Climate Disclosure, requiring large corporations and financial institutions to disclose climate related information and develop transition plans.
Introduction to Switzerland 2035 NDC
Based on 1990, Switzerland plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 65% by 2035 and by 59% from 2031 to 2035. If the previously set target is followed, greenhouse gases will be reduced by 62.5% by 2035. The new target considers the application of carbon capture and storage, allowing for an increase in emissions reduction. The emission reduction targets for various industries by 2035 are:
- Construction industry: 66% carbon reduction.
- Transportation: 41% carbon reduction.
- Industry: 42.5% carbon reduction.
- Other industries: 33% carbon reduction.
The Carbon Dioxide Act sets carbon reduction targets for these industries by 2030, while the Climate and Innovation Act sets carbon reduction targets for 2040 and 2050. In addition to the industries, other industries also need to contribute to greenhouse gas emissions reduction.
Reference:
Federal Council Approves New Reduction Targets under the Paris Agreement
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