Cut CO2 abroad – Switzerland also wants to offset CO2 with Vanuatu and Dominica – News

Greenpeace is very critical

Greenpeace does not believe in so-called “foreign compensation”. In the words of President Jennifer Morgan, Switzerland, as a rich country, should solve its climate problems at home: “It should reduce its domestic emissions as quickly as possible if it is serious about climate neutrality.”

As a rich country, Switzerland must solve its climate problems at home.

Environment Minister Simonita Sommaruga contradicts only half of her: “Of course we must do everything we can in our country. This is also in our interest.” She mentions investments in renewable energies and new technologies. But if Switzerland can also reduce CO2 in other countries – with investments that would not have been done otherwise – it will ultimately benefit the climate as well.

If we can also reduce CO2 in other countries – with investments that could not have been made – that ultimately benefits the climate as well.

Sommaruga explains that the choice lies with the countries in which there is an interest in entering into such agreements. There are agreements of high standards as well with regard to human rights. At the same time, one looks to see if specific projects are available or if there are indeed opportunities for cooperation within the framework of development cooperation.

WWF: Compensation is possible only with strict rules

WWF International is not as harsh in its judgment as Greenpeace. “These compensation programs can actually lead to more climate protection, but only if they follow strict rules,” stresses Head of Climate and Energy, Vanessa Perez-Serera. The national climate target of the buyer country must be aligned with the Paris climate goals before the country enters into such agreements.

The national climate target of the buyer country must be aligned with the Paris climate goals before the country signs such agreements.

Switzerland is not that far at the moment. However, it appears that the WWF is turning a blind eye and bringing a special partner into play: wholesaler Coop announced today that it wants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from coffee cultivation under the rules of a bilateral agreement between Switzerland and Peru.

The rules still apply. Projects must now be tangible. It will likely be a few more years before Switzerland as a country or individuals like Cope can count the greenhouse gas reductions of the five countries that have agreements on their balance sheets.