The popular initiative originally called for a reduction in net CO2 emissions to zero by 2050, and a ban on the consumption of fossil fuels from that date. The government and the majority of parliament are opposed to a ban on fossil fuels, which is why a counter-proposal has been drawn up: it includes the essential elements of the initiative, but does not explicitly mention a ban on fossil fuels. The project also includes financial support (CHF 2 billion over ten years) for the replacement of gas- and oil-fired heating systems with more climate-friendly ones, as well as support for technological innovation in companies.
The SVP is the initiative’s main opponent, and intends to use the financial argument that worked so well in their campaign against the CO2 law in 2021. Even if the text only provides for incentives, the SVP is convinced that the new law will cost the population dearly, and intends to convince them of this. Yet it has been widely proven that the cost of inaction will be much higher than immediate investment in low-carbon solutions and infrastructure.
Objects of the popular vote of June 18, 2023.
