Switzerland’s CO2 emissions are much higher than previously thought. If they contribute less than 0.1% of the world total, taking into account the direct or indirect influence of its globalized economy raises this figure to 2 or 3%.
Switzerland is thus at about the same level as countries such as Indonesia, Japan or Brazil, as shown by a study by the consulting firm McKinsey, in collaboration with the umbrella organization economiesuisse and the NGO WWF. The document, relayed by the NZZ am Sonntag, was published on the internet on Sunday by McKinsey.
National CO2 emissions of around 46 megatonnes are added to imports and air travel, for a total of 69 megatonnes. About 60% of Swiss emissions, excluding imports and air travel, come from the economy, the rest from households.
In its study, McKinsey also took into account the influence of the entire Swiss economy, which is highly globalized. Many international companies headquartered in Switzerland primarily conduct their business abroad. The resulting CO2 emissions, around 300 to 400 megatons per year, are six to nine times higher than those emitted in Switzerland.
The Swiss financial center also plays a role. Through its investments, credits, actions and other operations, it creates additional emissions of 700 to 900 megatons of CO2 per year, or 15 to 20 times more than national emissions.
Not on the right track
The 2020 climate target has not been achieved by Switzerland. Regarding the objective of net zero emissions by 2050, McKinsey believes that, like the rest of the world, the Confederation is not on the right track. However, as an international economic and financial center, it has significant leverage.
To carry out its study, McKinsey contacted 180 companies and sector organizations. It shows that the Swiss economy sees decarbonisation as a great challenge and a great opportunity. However, four out of five companies do not know how this will affect their business models.
/ATS