Wilhelm Tell, Alfred Escher and climatic old people

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A delegation of several dozen energetic pensioners was on Wednesday in Strasbourg (F) at the hearing of the case of “climate pensioners” at the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). Elderly climatologists have filed a lawsuit against the Swiss government for not doing enough to cut CO2 emissions.₂– Reduce footprint. Elderly women are particularly affected as they are the most vulnerable to heat waves. About a third of heat-wave deaths in Switzerland can be attributed to human emissions of greenhouse gases.

The verdict will not be announced for several months. However, the ECtHR takes this case seriously and referred it to its Grand Chamber. Together with my colleague from ETH and IPCC, Andreas Fischlin, we were in Strasbourg to attend the hearing as we presented one of the 23 third party submissions to the court, as did other scientists, individuals and institutions. In our written contribution, we have summarized the findings of a recent IPCC report which clearly show that 1. any additional CO₂– Emissions lead to more global warming, 2. the frequency and intensity of extremely hot days and heat waves increase with each rise in global temperatures, and that 3. health risks increase as a result, especially for older women. In addition, we have also shown that Switzerland has less ambitious greenhouse gas emission reduction targets than its European neighbors with a comparable level of development.

It is unfortunate that we have come to this point. But it is to be hoped that the climate retirees’ lawsuit will help advance the Swiss government’s climate protection measures. Although many cities and cantons have introduced ambitious measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we do not yet have national legislation. This would allow us to decarbonize our society at the pace necessary to limit global warming to 1.5°C. As provided for in the Paris Agreement, which Switzerland has ratified.

Despite all the legal considerations, what impressed me most in Strasbourg was the courage and energy of retired climate scientists. About seventy elderly women radiated not only a good mood, but also a sense of responsibility. They are committed to their daily lives and their future, but also out of solidarity with Swiss society and the younger generation. Courage, energy and intergenerational solidarity seem to me to be the right values ​​for Switzerland. Perhaps he appreciates the new vision of Switzerland, in addition to chocolate and bonuses.

And who knows if in a few years we will have a new monument in Switzerland next to the statues of Wilhelm Tell, Alfred Escher, Henri Dunant and other Swiss heroes, an elderly climate.

Source: Blick