Dough for the climate: 130,000 signatures submitted for a climate fund

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According to information from both parties, almost 130,000 signatures were handed over to the Federal Chancellery on Thursday. Of these, approximately 105,000 are valid. The federal popular initiative “For a fair energy and climate policy: investing in prosperity, work and the environment (climate fund initiative)” is supported by an alliance of environmental organizations and trade unions.

The request aims to oblige the federal government, cantons and municipalities to combat man-made global warming and its consequences for society, the economy and the environment. This must be done in accordance with international climate agreements.

3.5 to 7 billion francs per year

If the initiative is accepted by the people and the cantons, the federal government must fill the new climate fund no later than the third year after the yes vote, annually and until 2050 with 0.5 to 1 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). This corresponds to an amount between 3.5 and 7 billion francs. According to the text of the initiative, the federal government’s contribution to the fund “may be appropriately reduced” if Switzerland has achieved its national and international climate goals.

The federal government will use the money to support projects to decarbonize transportation, buildings and the economy. This could, for example, include replacing heating systems with fossil fuels.

Projects for economical and efficient energy consumption, a secure energy supply and the expansion of renewable energy sources should also receive money from the fund. The money can also be used for training, further training and retraining related to climate projects.

“With the climate fund we create the energy transition”

The fund or third parties on behalf of the federal government must also be able to provide loans, guarantees and securities. Details on this must be settled at legislative level in accordance with the newly proposed constitutional article.

Enormous public investments are needed to strengthen climate protection and at the same time produce energy domestically, the initiators argue. A socially just climate policy is needed. “With the climate fund we create the energy transition.”

The climate crisis is the greatest challenge of our generation, emphasizes Green Party Chairman Balthasar Glättli (52). “Climate protection, biodiversity, innovation and jobs for the future – this is what the Climate Fund guarantees for a New Green Deal.”

Strengthen energy sovereignty

Today, Switzerland is hugely dependent on fossil energy supplies from abroad, which prevents important domestic investments and instead strengthens autocratic states, says SP national councilor Roger Nordmann (50). “By expanding renewable energy sources in Switzerland, we are strengthening our energy sovereignty and securing supply.”

If the initiative is formally implemented, the Federal Council will be the next to comment on it. Voters could likely vote on the proposal sometime in 2026. It is unclear whether the government or parliament will directly or indirectly oppose the initiative.

Last year, voters in the canton of St. Gallen rejected a climate fund initiative by the SP worth 100 million francs. The counter-proposal, which includes a special loan of 59 million francs for energy measures, was clearly approved. (SDA)

Source:Blick