Council of States wants more money for forest adaptation to climate change
Published: Tuesday, May 28th 2024, 11:40
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Between 2025 and 2028, the federal government is to make an additional one hundred million francs available for adapting forests to climate change. The Council of States voted in favor of this on Tuesday.
The decision was made by the small chamber when discussing a federal decree on commitment credits in the environmental sector. It concerns funds with which the federal government supports the cantons in the areas of flood protection, wastewater treatment, forests, nature and landscape, protection against natural hazards, revitalization of watercourses, noise protection, wildlife and hunting as well as residual water remediation.
The Council of States intends to approve a total of CHF 2.307 billion over the years mentioned. The national government intended to support the cantons with CHF 451 million for forestry tasks. However, the Council of States wants CHF 551 million.
A majority of the Council pointed out that, according to a motion adopted in the Federal Assembly, the federal government is already supporting the cantons between 2020 and 2024 with more money to adapt forests to climate change. This support should be continued. A minority and the Federal Council were against this, citing the federal government's tight financial situation.
In contrast, the Council of States said no to a CHF 40 million increase in funding for the revitalization of bodies of water. The Council of States Finance Committee had suggested this increase. More money had to flow for revitalization purposes so that the Confederation and cantons could achieve their environmental goals. Otherwise there was a risk of project delays, which would ultimately lead to additional costs.
The credit commitments, which were unanimously approved by the Council of States, will now go to the National Council.
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