Working together to combat climate change
Professor Anthony Patt and his team from ETH Zurich’s Climate Policy Research Group aim to produce a detailed analysis to demonstrate how Switzerland can drastically lower its greenhouse gas emissions in the next 20 to 30 years. The project is being supported by a group of philanthropic individuals.
Both politicians and the general public have long been aware of how urgently solutions to combat climate change are needed. But which adjustments are required on an economic, social and political level to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Switzerland to zero by 2050 or even 2040? Professor Patt’s analysis examines what is needed. The focus is on sustainable energy supply, the personal lifestyles of the Swiss population and innovations in the area of technologies that bind carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Initial results suggest that the net zero targets could be achieved without a major drop in prosperity or living standards. The aim is for Professor Patt’s analysis to serve as a basis for political decision-making and accelerate the adoption of a national target and corresponding measures.
A group of philanthropic individuals, comprising Philippe Sarasin, Giulio F. Anderheggen, Eric Sarasin, Doris Hangartner, Olivier Bizon, Roger Lienhard, Grégoire Notz, Flora Keller, Ron R. Pal, Luz Maria Torres and Martin Bisang, is supporting Patt and his team.
Their donations have ensured that the project “A quick end to Swiss greenhouse gas emissions” is able to go ahead. “We want to play a role in ensuring that one of the most pressing challenges of our time is tackled as quickly as possible – so that future generations can also enjoy a wide range of opportunities,” explains Philippe Sarasin.
