Summer is here, and with it come hot days. These are a problem for us: the number of heat-related deaths rises significantly on hot days. However, long-term monitoring of heat-related deaths in Switzerland also shows that since the 1980s, people have adapted to some extent to higher temperatures. With climate change progressing and extreme heat events becoming more frequent, measures to protect health are becoming increasingly important. Find here (German & French) how heat action plans can help reduce the number of deaths!

The present brochure is the abridged version of the Climate Risk Analysis for Switzerland, which identifies and assesses climate risks and climate-related opportunities for Switzerland up to the year 2060. The content and methodology of the first climate risk analysis published in 2017 was comprehensively reviewed and updated with the involvement of numerous specialists from the administrative, academic and business fields. The results serve as a basis for the Federal Council's future adaptation strategy and for developing adaptation strategies and action plans in the cantons and regions. Mehr / Plus / More

Countries are beginning to submit updated “nationally determined contributions” or NDCs — under the Paris Agreement, which are meant to guide global climate action through 2035. Although the official deadline passed in February 2025, most countries have yet to deliver their plans. A new analysis from the World Resources Institute (WRI) takes stock of the early submissions and what they signal for global climate progress. It reviews countries’ targets to cut emissions and adapt to climate impacts. The findings also underscore the critical role of major emitters whose NDCs are still pending. More

Temperatures in Switzerland are rising at an ever-increasing rate. Over the past 50 years, extreme temperatures, especially heat waves, have risen significantly more than the average temperature. This is shown by a recent analysis by MeteoSwiss.  Mehr / Plus 

The IPCC is looking for experts to participate in two upcoming, co-located, IPCC workshops: one focusing on engaging diverse knowledge systems and the other on methods of assessment. The deadline for nomination is 2 July 2025. More 

For the third time, the SNSF is joining this transnational initiative to boost the clean energy transition across Europe and beyond. Researchers in Switzerland can participate. Deadline 9 October 2025. Weiter / Plus / More 

The Watt d'Or, the prestigious award from the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, will be presented for the nineteenth time on 8 January 2026! The Watt d'Or 2026 is looking for surprising, innovative, and forward-looking energy initiatives and projects. Deadline 13 July 2025. Weiter / Plus / More

Climate change is advancing, and the Alps are particularly affected by warming. The winter half-year 2024/25 fits into this picture: Compared to the reference period 1991-2020, it was milder, very sunny for long periods, and had little snow. 

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The Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda on Health and Climate Change provides a forward-thinking overview of the research needs and knowledge gaps related to human health and climate change. It aims to inform EU funding priorities and inspire global research initiatives on these topics. The agenda emphasises themes such as facilitating research uptake, promoting a fair research ecosystem and fostering international cooperation. More

The permafrost in the Swiss Alps has never been as warm as it was in the hydrological year 2024. The decline in soil ice content and the increase in block glacier velocities also continued. These observations are based on 25 years of coordinated measurements within the Swiss Permafrost Observation Network PERMOS. During this period, permafrost changes in the Swiss Alps have accelerated. More

Governments around the world are at a critical point in their collective response to climate change, amidst global uncertainty, growth headwinds and pressures on public budgets. Despite significant advancements in global climate action over the past decade, 2024 saw global greenhouse gas emissions reach a new record. This milestone underscores an urgent reality: we must step up our efforts. More