Environment in Switzerland

The environment includes air, water, soil, the climate, plants, animals and habitats shaped by people. Changes in one area can affect others, for example when polluted water harms animals, plants and people. In Switzerland, environmental responsibilities are shared between the federal government, cantons and municipalities. The federal government sets the general framework, while cantons and municipalities plan, implement or monitor many activities locally. Switzerland’s landscape is intensively used. Settlements, agriculture, transport, energy production, tourism and natural areas sometimes require the same land and therefore need to be coordinated. For waste, prevention is the first sensible step. This is followed by reuse, separate collection and recycling, while non-recyclable household waste is usually disposed of as residual household waste (Kehricht). Water is at the same time drinking water, a habitat, a source of energy and a place for recreation. Water protection therefore concerns wastewater, agriculture, industry, settlements and the careful use of streams, rivers and lakes, among other things. Air quality, noise and soil are also part of environmental protection. Transport, heating systems, construction work and production can cause pollution, while technical improvements and more conscious behaviour can reduce it. Climate protection reduces greenhouse-gas emissions, while climate adaptation prepares for unavoidable consequences. This includes, for example, protection against heat and natural hazards, as well as careful use of water. Environmental protection creates healthier habitats, promotes resource-efficient technology and can prevent costs in the long term. Limitations arise from conflicting objectives, limited space and the fact that many effects only become visible over a longer period.