Switzerland’s intended nationally determined contribution (INDC) and clarifying information.

This text stipulates the terms of the Switzerland’s intended nationally determined contribution (also called INDC) and sets out the necessary clarifying information. Gases object and covered in this text are as follows: CO2, CH4, N2O, HFCs, PFCs, SF6, NF3. Base year for gases covered: all 1990 (not relevant where reference level is applied), and covered sectors are here listed: energy; industrial processes and product use; agriculture; land-use, land-use change and forestry; waste.
Switzerland commits to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, corresponding to an average reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent over the period 2021-2030. Switzerland plans its climate policy in 10-year-steps, continuously strengthening its reduction targets. The Government of Switzerland has formulated an indicative goal to reduce emissions by 2050 by 70 to 85 percent compared to 1990 including use of international credits as well as the vision to reduce per capita emissions in Switzerland to 1–1.5 t CO2eq in the longer term. These unavoidable emissions will have to be eventually compensated through sinks or removals. By 2025, a reduction of greenhouse gases by 35 percent compared to 1990 levels is anticipated. Carbon credits from international mechanisms will partly be used. The intended nationally determined contribution is subject to approval by Parliament. The methodological approaches underlying the Swiss intended nationally determined contribution are included in this communication. Time frame of the commitment is until end 2030. This quantified commitment by 2030 is translated into an average commitment over the period from beginning 2021 to end 2030. Its achievement will be tracked through the information in Switzerland’s national inventories (accounting methodology for land sector) and the addition/subtraction of emission reductions transferred internationally (carbon credits) in light of a budget approach.
Information on the anticipated level of emissions for 2025 is given for international comparability. During the national implementation period until mid-2016, Switzerland will elaborate a draft for consultation at national level of its climate policy for the period 2021-2030. It will include measures that allow emission reductions of its target of minus 50 percent by 2030 to be achieved mainly domestically. The proposed measures to achieve the commitments will build on existing measures and strategies. The existing legal frameworks will have to be revised accordingly. These revisions are subject to approval by the national Parliament.