SP and Greens submit initiative for a climate fund
Published: Thursday, Feb 22nd 2024, 13:50
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In future, a climate fund will be used to build more solar panels, drive forward building renovations, expand public transport and promote the preservation of habitats and biodiversity. The SP and the Greens have submitted a popular initiative to this effect.
According to the two parties, almost 130,000 signatures were submitted to the Federal Chancellery on Thursday. Around 105,000 of these are valid. The federal popular initiative "For a fair energy and climate policy: investing for prosperity, work and the environment (climate fund initiative)" is supported by an alliance of environmental organizations and trade unions.
The proposal aims to oblige the Confederation, cantons and communes to combat man-made global warming and its consequences for society, the economy and the environment. This should be done in accordance with the international climate agreements.
If the initiative is approved by the people and the cantons, the federal government will have to replenish the new climate fund from the third year after the "yes" vote at the latest, with 0.5 to 1 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) every year until 2050. This corresponds to an amount of between CHF 3.5 and 7 billion. According to the text of the initiative, the federal government's contribution to the fund can be "reduced appropriately" once Switzerland has achieved its national and international climate targets.
Money should be used widely
The federal government is to use the money to support projects for the decarbonization of transport, buildings and the economy. For example, this could be the replacement of heating systems using fossil fuels.
Furthermore, projects for economical and efficient energy consumption, secure supply and the expansion of renewable energies are to receive money from the fund. The funds can also be used for education, training and retraining related to climate projects.
The fund or third parties commissioned by the federal government should also be able to grant loans, guarantees and sureties. According to the newly proposed constitutional article, the details of this must be regulated at legislative level.
Reduce dependence on foreign countries
The initiators argue that massive public investment is needed to strengthen climate protection and at the same time be able to produce energy domestically. A socially just climate policy is needed. "With the climate fund, we can achieve the energy transition."
The climate crisis is the greatest challenge of our generation, Green Party President Balthasar Glättli was quoted as saying in the press release. "Climate protection, biodiversity, innovation and jobs for the future - this is what the Climate Fund for a New Green Deal guarantees."
Today, Switzerland is heavily dependent on the supply of fossil fuels from abroad, which prevents important investments at home and instead strengthens autocratic states, said SP National Councillor Roger Nordmann. "By expanding renewable energies in Switzerland, we are strengthening our energy sovereignty and securing supplies."
Cantonal initiative rejected
If the initiative is formally approved, the Federal Council will be the next to comment on it. The electorate could probably vote on the proposal in the course of 2026. It is unclear whether the government or parliament will oppose the initiative with a direct or indirect counter-proposal.
Last year, voters in the canton of St. Gallen rejected an SP climate fund initiative worth CHF 100 million. The counter-proposal, which includes a special credit of CHF 59 million for energy measures, was clearly approved.
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