Fake news, misinformation and disinformation, conspiracy theories: the COVID-19 pandemic serves as a prime example of how false – and in some cases deliberately misleading – information circulates in the public sphere.

This is not fundamentally new. Such 'infodemics’, as the WHO calls them, have occurred in previous crises. And the public debate on climate change is also rife with them. Find out more in this Flash article. (Available in German and French)

The Swiss spring parliamentary session took place from 2 to 20 March 2026. The National Council and the Council of States dealt with several climate and energy items of business – for example, the Blackout Initiative and a motion for an energy storage strategy. The cost-cutting measures debated as part of the federal budget relief programme also affect the climate and energy sector. We have compiled an overview for you in this LinkedIn post of what the two chambers decided on these items of business. (Available in German and French)

 ©  Naturpark Beverin

The escalation of the situation in the Middle East has led to higher energy prices and is already having a noticeable impact on the global energy supply. However, Switzerland’s energy supply is assured at the present time. Given the stable supply situation in Switzerland at the present time, the Federal Council has no legal basis for intervening in the market. In the event of an impending or existing severe shortage, pre-planned measures – such as the release of compulsory stockpiles – will be implemented. Find out more

With the Engaged UniBE Call, the University of Bern supports innovative, transdisciplinary projects that make a concrete contribution to the Climate Roadmap 2030 and advance the sustainable transformation of science and society. The deadline for submitting project ideas is 30. April 2026. Read more here

The Environmental Research Prize of Fribourg University aims to promote disciplinary and interdisciplinary research in the field of environmental sciences and sustainability. The prize is awarded to young researchers whose innovative and outstanding scientific work contributes significantly to a better understanding of environmental problems and their solution. The submission for the prize 2026 is possible until 30. June 2026. Read more here

This WMO report provides a summary on the state of the climate indicators in 2025 with sections on key climate indicators, extreme events and impacts. The indicators include global temperatures, greenhouse gas concentration, ocean heat content, sea level rise, ocean acidification, Arctic and Antarctic sea ice, glaciers, precipitation, with an analysis of major drivers of inter-annual climate variability during the year including the El Niño Southern Oscillation and other ocean and atmospheric indices. Read more here

A new study commissioned by the FOEN on Switzerland’s environmental footprints from 2000 to 2023 shows that the total environmental impact per person has fallen by around a fifth since 2000. In absolute terms, however, it has remained largely unchanged over the period under review. The development of the footprints has been compared with current scientific findings on ecological carrying capacity limits as well as Switzerland’s environmental objectives, in order to identify the need for action from a footprint perspective. Read more here

This report examines demand-side dynamics for energy technologies — such as deployment trends and policy developments — as well as supply-side factors, including manufacturing capacity and trade flows, underpinned by robust modelling and quantitative analysis. This year’s edition puts a special focus on vulnerabilities in energy technology supply chains and industrial competitiveness, analyzing manufacturing cost structures and industrial policy impacts. Read more here