‘We can turn the wheel now’

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“Protect what matters to us”: this is the motto of the campaign for the climate protection law, which will be voted on June 18. Representatives of the FDP, Mitte, EVP, GLP, SP and Grünen presented their arguments for a yes in Bern.

The law was passed by parliament in the fall of 2022. It anchors the goal adopted by the Bundesrat four years ago that Switzerland should reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. To this end, the law formulates various milestones. In addition, the federal government wants to support the replacement of oil, gas and electric heating systems with CHF 2 billion over a ten-year period and promote climate-friendly innovations with CHF 1.2 billion. It is being voted on because the SVP has issued the referendum.

Innovation instead of prohibition

In addition to the six parties, more than 200 organizations, associations and companies support the yes campaign. With the climate protection law one takes “responsibility for future generations”, GLP National Councilor Martin Bäumle (58) from Zurich said at the media conference. Instead of bans and taxes like the CO crashed in 2021₂-Law one now relies on innovations and investments.

The law could reduce dependence on fossil fuels and increase energy security, argued the Vaudois FDP national councilor Jacqueline de Quattro (62). “Doing nothing is always more expensive. It would be irresponsible to wait any longer.” As SP co-chair Mattea Meyer (35) noted, 60 percent of the buildings in this country are still heated with oil and gas. The contributions for homeowners and the new heating systems, which are cheaper are in use would relieve tenants thanks to lower additional energy costs, said SP co-chair and national councilor Mattea Meyer.

Now you can still tear taxes around

Green President Balthasar Glättli (51) also stressed that time is of the essence. He referred to the latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). This shows: “We can now still turn the wheel.” Switzerland could do that with the Climate Protection Act.

Stefan Müller-Altermatt (46), middle national councilor from the canton of Solothurn, agreed that Switzerland must take its responsibility. The law makes it possible to protect the climate and at the same time create jobs of the future, for example in the solar energy industry. (SDA/lha)

Source:Blick