Aargau voters decide on climate article in the constitution
Published: Friday, Apr 19th 2024, 09:40
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On June 9, the voters of Aargau will decide on a climate article in the cantonal constitution. The cantonal government and parliament want to ensure that the canton assumes its responsibility for climate protection.
The canton and the municipalities are committed to limiting climate change and strengthening their ability to adapt to its adverse effects, the cantonal constitution should state in future. In doing so, they take into account the objectives of the federal government and the international agreements that are binding for Switzerland.
The Grand Council passed this climate article by 84 votes to 46. Only the SVP was against it. The article was "superfluous" and the canton should focus on personal responsibility rather than bans, they said.
Proponents want commitment
The FDP, Center Party, GLP and EVP as well as the SP and Greens supported the new paragraph in the cantonal constitution. The supporters stated that a basis was needed.
This would allow the canton to tackle the causes of climate change in a targeted manner, set binding targets and move towards net zero. The left-wing parties wanted a more effective climate article and ultimately supported the "hopefully majority-capable text" in the vote.
The canton of Aargau has not been idle so far. The canton has drawn up a 2021 climate strategy with a plan of measures. However, it lacks binding targets. The climate article is intended to remedy this. An amendment or addition to the cantonal constitution must be put to a popular vote in Aargau.
Several cantons with climate articles
Some cantons have already gone a step further than Aargau. The cantons of Basel-Stadt, Bern, Geneva, Glarus, Vaud and Zurich, among others, have a climate article in their constitution. The canton of Fribourg has its own climate law.
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