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Information on national adaptation actions reported under the Governance Regulation

Reporting updated until: 2023-08-04

Item Status Links
Climate Law (including adaptation)
  • actual adaptation policy (adopted)
  • being developed
National Adaptation Strategy (NAS)
  • actual adaptation policy (adopted)
National Adaptation Plan (NAP)
  • actual adaptation policy (adopted)
  • previous adaptation policy (superseded)
Climate Risk Assessment (CRA)
  • completed
Meteorological observations
  • Established
Climate projections and services
  • Established
Adaptation portals and platforms
  • Established
Monitoring, reporting and evaluation (MRE) indicators and methodologies
Key reports and publications
National communication to the UNFCCC
Governance regulation adaptation reporting
Switzerland, located in the centre of Europe, covers an area of 41,285 square kilometres, comprising 25.1 per cent unproductive surface, 31.8 per cent forests and grove, 35.2 per cent utilised agricultural area, and 7.9 per cent built-up area. The topography is determined by the Central Plateau, the Jura mountains and the Alps. About half of Switzerland’s surface area is located above 1,000 metres above sea level.

With the Alps acting as climatic divide, meteorological conditions such as average temperature and precipitation vary significantly across Switzerland. Variable winter temperatures are an important factor influencing energy consumption for heating and leave a strong imprint on annual CO2 emissions. Long-term measurements indicate a marked shift towards a warmer climate (increase of the mean temperature by more than two degrees Celsius between 1864 and 2020, i.e. about twice the increase of the global mean temperature). Changes in mean precipitation are less clear, although there are robust indications for an increase in the frequency and intensity of heavy precipitation. Various climate indices document the ongoing climate change in Switzerland. For instance, over the Central Plateau, the average number of summer days has more than doubled over the last 60 years, the number of heating degree days has decreased by about 15 to 20 per cent in the same time period, the number of snow days has decreased and the number of sunny days has increased.
At the end of 2020, Switzerland had a population of 8.670 million permanent residents with an average a density of 210 persons per square kilometre. Population is concentrated on the Central Plateau, the major alpine valleys and the Ticino, while the density is substantially lower in the hilly and alpine regions of the country. Population growth has been stable at around 0.75 per cent per year during the last years and mainly results from immigration and increasing life expectancy. It is expected that population growth will continue in the future, leading to 10.44 million permanent residents by 2050. Approximately 25.5 per cent of the permanent residential population are foreign nationals.
Switzerland’s nominal gross domestic product was about 706 billion Swiss francs in 2020, corresponding to about 81 thousand Swiss francs per capita. With just a few exceptions in the early 1990s, in 2009 and in 2020, Switzerland’s real gross domestic product increased annually by up to four per cent compared to the previous year over the period 1990 to 2020. Switzerland’s economy largely depends on the services sector, which in 2020 not only employed 76.4 per cent of the total workforce, but also contributed 73.3 per cent to the gross value added. The economy strongly depends on trade with other countries, as Switzerland imports bulk raw materials and exports processed high-quality goods. Switzerland’s trade balance (exports minus imports) was about balanced between 1992 and the early 2000s. Since 2002, exports growth has been accelerating as compared to imports growth. During the last years, Switzerland’s trade balance has remained between about four and five per cent of the gross domestic product. Among the most important traded goods in terms of monetary value are chemical and pharmaceutical products, noble metals, jewels and gemstones, machines, instruments and electronics, watches and precision instruments.
Switzerland is not immune to global climate change. The Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology, MeteoSwiss, is tasked by the federal government with producing climate scenarios on a regular basis in order to highlight the possible effects of climate change. These scenarios provide a basis for planning adaptation measures, as well as indicating the effect of global climate protection measures. In November 2018, the Swiss Climate Change Scenarios CH2018 were published, seven years after the previous Climate Change Scenarios CH2011. The scenarios were developed as one of the priority topics of the National Centre for Climate Services in close collaboration with ETH Zurich. The Climate Change Scenarios CH2018 reflect the current scientific findings on climate change in Switzerland and allow the most accurate view of the climate future of our country to date.

The next generation of climate scenarios (CH2025) is planned for 2025.
The Climate Change Scenarios are produced with the help of computer simulations of climate models. These models are based on the laws of physics and depict the real climate processes in simplified form. Over 20 different climate models for Europe were refined using statistical methods to come up with the Swiss Climate Change Scenarios CH2018.

The primary cause of global climate change is the increase in greenhouse gas emission concentrations caused by human activity since industrialisation. In order to be able to calculate future changes in temperature, precipitation and other parameters, assumptions must be made about future global greenhouse gas emissions. To this end, so-called emission scenarios are defined on the basis of a number of assumptions about population growth, possible technological advancements and global political decisions. Climate change scenarios can therefore not be considered as predictions. Rather, they indicate the possible consequences for the climate if the greenhouse gas emissions rise unchecked or are, on the other hand, reduced.
As a basis for adaptation to climate change, the Federal Office for the Environment has assessed climate-related risks and opportunities throughout Switzerland. The associated synthesis report (FOEN 2017) provides guidance on the further development of the Federal Council's adaptation strategy and enables it to focus efforts more specifically on those areas where the greatest benefit is to be expected.

In eight case studies in the cantons of Aargau, Basel-Stadt, Fribourg, Geneva, Graubünden, Jura, Ticino and Uri, what consequences can be expected if the global rise in greenhouse gas emissions over the next few decades continues to the same extent as before were examined. The results were transposed to the six major regions of the Jura, Swiss Plateau, Foothills of the Alps, Alps, South of the Alps as well as the large urban zones.

The case studies were supplemented with further findings from scientific literature as well as additional expert knowledge. On this basis, the priority climate-related risks and opportunities for our country could be determined. This will allow the Confederation, cantons and municipalities to set priorities for their adaptation activities and make adaptation to climate change in Switzerland targeted and effective.

Currently, the climate risk analysis for Switzerland is in the process of being reevaluated and updated.
Hazard type Acute/Chronic Observed climate hazards
WaterAcuteDrought
Flood
Glacial lake outburst
Heavy precipitation
Snow and ice load
ChronicPrecipitation hydrological variability
Water scarcity
Solid massAcuteAvalanche
Landslide
ChronicSoil erosion
TemperatureAcuteCold wave frost
Heat wave
Wildfire
ChronicChanging temperature
Permafrost thawing
WindAcuteStorm
Chronic
Hazard type Acute/Chronic Future climate hazards Qualitative trend
WaterAcuteDroughtsignificantly increasing
Floodsignificantly increasing
Glacial lake outburst Futureevolution uncertain or unknown
Heavy precipitationsignificantly increasing
Snow and ice loadevolution uncertain or unknown
ChronicPrecipitation hydrological variabilitysignificantly increasing
Water scarcitysignificantly increasing
Solid massAcuteAvalanche Futureevolution uncertain or unknown
Landslide Futuresignificantly increasing
ChronicSoil erosionsignificantly increasing
TemperatureAcuteCold wave frostevolution uncertain or unknown
Heat wavesignificantly increasing
Wildfiresignificantly increasing
ChronicChanging temperaturesignificantly increasing
Permafrost thawingsignificantly increasing
WindAcuteStormevolution uncertain or unknown
Chronic
Climate-related risks and opportunities

A synthesis for Switzerland – short version

The brochure is the short version of the synthesis which identifies and prioritises climate-related risks and opportunities for Switzerland until 2060. The results from eight regional case studies conducted with the participation of numerous experts from science, industry and administration have been merged into a Switzerland-wide synthesis and supplemented. On the one hand, they serve the review and further development of the Confederation’s adaptation strategy. On the other hand, the cantons and regions can use the results, along with the methodology used, to develop their own strategy and adaptation planning.
Climate-related risks and opportunities

A synthesis for Switzerland – short version

The brochure is the short version of the synthesis which identifies and prioritises climate-related risks and opportunities for Switzerland until 2060. The results from eight regional case studies conducted with the participation of numerous experts from science, industry and administration have been merged into a Switzerland-wide synthesis and supplemented. On the one hand, they serve the review and further development of the Confederation’s adaptation strategy. On the other hand, the cantons and regions can use the results, along with the methodology used, to develop their own strategy and adaptation planning.

Key affected sectors

Key affected sector(s)agriculture and food; biodiversity (including ecosystembased approaches); buildings; civil protection and emergency management; energy; forestry; health; land use planning; rural development; tourism; urban; water management
Rating of the observed impacts of key hazards, including changes in frequency and magnitudehigh
Different rating of the observed impacts of key hazardsdifferent geographical regions within the country
AssessmentMore information can be found at https://www.nccs.admin.ch/nccs/de/home/sektoren.html
Rating of the key hazards' likelihood of occurrence and exposure to them under future climatehigh
Different rating of the likelihood of the occurrence of key hazards and exposure to them under future climatedifferent geographical regions within the country; different key hazards
Rating of the vulnerability, including adaptive capacityhigh
Different rating of the vulnerability and/or adaptive capacitydifferent geographical regions within the country; different key hazards
AssessmentMore information can be found at https://www.nccs.admin.ch/nccs/de/home/sektoren.html
Rating for the risk of potential future impactshigh
Different rating of the risk of potential future impactsdifferent climate change scenarios; different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards
AssessmentMore information can be found at https://www.nccs.admin.ch/nccs/de/home/sektoren.html

Overview of institutional arrangements and governance at the national level

As a basis for adaptation to climate change, the Federal Office for the Environment has assessed climate-related risks and opportunities throughout Switzerland. The associated synthesis report (FOEN 2017) provides guidance on the further development of the Federal Council's adaptation strategy and enables it to focus efforts more specifically on those areas where the greatest benefit is to be expected.
The national adaptation strategy and national adaptation plans are regularly evaluated and updated in extensive review and evaluation processes.
https://www.bafu.admin.ch/[…]/analysis-implementation-impact.html
One aim of the national adaptation strategy is to better integrate adaptation to climate change into sectoral policies at all levels.
Protection against natural hazards is already comprehensively implemented in Switzerland. Depending on the situation, spatial planning, organisational, structural and biological measures are combined in the best possible way. Against the background of climate change, existing concepts and measures must be reviewed with regard to the changing hazard situation and adapted accordingly. Together with the cantons, the Confederation shall develop guidelines that further specify how to deal with climate change in hazard and risk assessment and in the planning of measures in order to jointly enable a transparent, systematic and process-specific approach.
The CH2018 Climate Change Scenarios show where and how climate change affects Switzerland and what global climate change mitigation efforts can do about it. The expected consequences of unchecked climate change for Switzerland include more hot days, dry summers, heavy precipitation and winters with little snow. However, global efforts to mitigate climate change could curb future climate change.

A number of datasets of the CH2018 scenarios are available for use in impact research and practical applications. The CH2018 szenario data are provided under the CC BY 4.0 license.
https://www.nccs.admin.ch/n[…]narios-for-switzerland.html
Switzerland takes advantage of the opportunities arising from climate change. It minimises the risks of climate change, protects the population, material assets and livelihoods. It increases the adaptive capacity of society, the economy and the environment. Adaptation to climate change (Adaptation) has been included since 2013 as a second, complementary pillar to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (mitigation) anchored in the CO2 Act.
The process of adaptation to climate change has to be prepared, implemented and revised continously at all levels. The federal government, the cantons, the municipalities and the private sector have different responsibilites and coordination is important. Strategies have to be put in place to avoid maladaptation.

The more global climate change progresses, the stronger its regional impacts will become and the greater the need for local adaptation. In the medium term, it is therefore necessary to examine how the increasing demand for resources can be financed with an appropriate application of the available funds.
The Action Plan 2020-2025 comprises 75 measures at the federal level. 63 of these measures are activities in the sectors of water management, dealing with agriculture, forestry, energy, housing, tourism, biodiversity management, health (human and animal) and spatial development. 12 measures are cross-sectoral in nature. They aim to improve the knowledge base, transfer knowledge, coordinate and promote the implementation of the adaptation strategy.

In the future, additions at the legislative or ordinance level should be considered with the aim of better integrating adaptation to climate change into sector policies at all level. Furtheremore, in order to support the implementation of the adaptation strategy at all levels, it should be examined how the exchange and cooperation of all actors concerned (Confederation, cantons, communes, science, economy) can be improved and how appropriate funding mechanisms can be developed in the coming years.
The pilot programme 'Adaptation to climate change' is part of the federal government's adaptation strategy. It is a national funding initiative to support cantons, regions and municipalities in tackling climate change related challenges. It supports exemplary, innovative projects in the cantons, regions, cities and communes and shows practical ways that Switzerland can adapt to the changing climate. The projects aim to minimise climate risks, increase adaptability and exploit opportunities at a local level.

The pilot programme 'Adaptation to climate change' has been running since 2013. An initial phase involving 31 projects was successfully completed in 2017. The second phase, comprising a total of 50 projects, was successfully completed in 2023.

More information can be found at
https://www.bafu.admin.ch/[…]/pilotprogramm.html
https://www.nccs.admin.ch/nccs/en/home/measures/pak.html

In the NCCS programme «Decision Support for Dealing with Climate Change in Switzerland: a cross-sectoral approach» («NCCS-Impacts»), actionable climate services for the environment, economy and society will be developed from 2022 to 2025.

See https://www.nccs.admin.ch/[…]/nccs-impacts.html for more information.

Selection of actions and (programmes of) measures

Not reported
The climate risk analysis is periodically re-evaluated. A broad range of climate- and impact-indicators exist. Response-indicators are in the process of being developed.
With the adoption of the national action plan, the FOEN was mandated to periodically report the progress made and the effectiveness achieved in adaptation to the Federal Council.

The cantons are by law (revised CO2 act, Article 8) obliged to report to government on adaptation activities. The first reporting based on a survey took place in 2015. The second reporting took place in 2022.

The main objective of these evaluations is learning from experiences in order to further develop adaptation in Switzerland.
A broad range of climate- and impact-indicators exist. Response-indicators are in the process of being developed.
A broad range of climate- and impact-indicators exist. Response-indicators are in the process of being developed.
A broad range of climate- and impact-indicators exist. Response-indicators are in the process of being developed.
A broad range of climate- and impact-indicators exist. Response-indicators are in the process of being developed.
The climate risk analysis isperiodically re-evaluated. An updated climate risk analysis is scheduled for 2024.
National adaptation policies, strategies, plans and measures are periodically reviewed and updated.

Good practices and lessons learnt

Not reported

Cooperation and experience

Other United Nations processes are relevant for adaptation to climate change, namely the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Sendai Framework Convention on Disaster Risk Reduction and the Convention on Biological Diversity. These three agreements have been ratified by Switzerland and form the framework for activities at national level.
Switzerland participates in exchanges on adaptation to climate change at the international level. For example, it is a member of the European Network of Environmental Agencies and the European Network for Environmental Observation and Information. In addition, it cultivates exchange with neighbouring countries within the framework of joint projects, such as GoApply - Multidimensional governance of climate change adaptation in policy making and practice.
Switzerland participates in exchanges on adaptation to climate change at the international level. For example, it is a member of the European Network of Environmental Agencies and the European Network for Environmental Observation and Information. In addition, it cultivates exchange with neighbouring countries within the framework of joint projects, such as GoApply - Multidimensional governance of climate change adaptation in policy making and practice.

Overview of institutional arrangements and governance at the sub-national level (where “sub-national” refers to local and regional)

The drafting and implementation process of the adaptation strategy is coordinated by the Interdepartmental Committee on Climate. The FOEN has the overall responsibility for developing the strategy. It moderates the procedure, ensures that a uniform approach is adopted and coordinates work between sectors. The individual federal offices are responsible for adaptation in their sectors. MeteoSwiss provides the climatological data on observed changes in the climate and future climate scenarios.

In the NCCS programme «Decision Support for Dealing with Climate Change in Switzerland: a cross-sectoral approach» («NCCS-Impacts»), actionable climate services for the environment, economy and society will be developed from 2022 to 2025.
Switzerland participates in exchanges on adaptation to climate change at the international level. For example, it is a member of the European Network of Environmental Agencies and the European Network for Environmental Observation and Information. In addition, it cultivates exchange with neighbouring countries within the framework of joint projects, such as GoApply - Multidimensional governance of climate change adaptation in policy making and practice.

Federal Office for the Environment FOEN

Climate
Coordination of adaptation in Switzerland
[Disclaimer]
The source of information presented in these pages is the reporting of EU Member States under 'Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action' and the voluntary reporting of EEA Member Countries.'