Climate change and the environment

The effects of climate change and the risks they present are increasing. That is why climate change mitigation and adaptation is one of Switzerland's priorities for its international cooperation work.

The World Bank estimates that 100 million people will fall back into extreme poverty by 2030 because of climate change. At the same time, the global share of greenhouse gas emissions in developing countries is on the rise. Switzerland's International Cooperation Strategy 2021-24 emphasises the importance of combating climate change.

Switzerland committed to climate change mitigation

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) uses its international cooperation activities to support developing countries in their efforts to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. International cooperation contributes to the sustainable development of urban and rural areas by reducing the risks presented by the effects of climate change and focusing on renewable energies and energy efficiency. It promotes the sustainable management of natural resources – water, air, soil, raw materials and ecosystems – and works to conserve biodiversity for the benefit of all, especially the most vulnerable.

Increasing resources

International cooperation funding in the area of climate change will gradually increase from CHF 300 million a year (2017-20) to around CHF 400 million a year by the end of 2024 – about 15% of the total funds available for international cooperation. Switzerland is also committed to mobilising the private sector more to make eco-friendly investments in developing countries, and advocates for this at the multilateral level and with the private sector itself in order to generate more funds. In addition to specific programmes dealing with climate change, the issue has also been mainstreamed in most Swiss international cooperation projects and programmes.