Swiss vote on whether to hike taxes to fight climate change
13 June 2021, 10:24
The proposed ‘carbon dioxide law’ would revise and strengthen an existing law which aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 2030.
Swiss voters are casting ballots in a referendum on a proposed “carbon dioxide law” which would increase fees and taxes on fuels that produce greenhouse gases.
The proposal would revise and strengthen an existing law that aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 2030.
It is one of several issues facing voters nationwide on Sunday in the latest referendums in Swiss democracy, which gives the public a direct say in policymaking.
Many in Switzerland, home to melting glaciers and high-altitude towns, sense that swift action is needed. The country has faced a rise in temperatures that is twice as fast as the global average, the government says, with greenhouse gases – notably carbon-dioxide – seen as the main culprit.
The law, if approved by voters and finalised in parliament, would enact new taxes on CO2-generating fuel and natural gas, as well as on airline tickets, and raise fees on pump prices. Exemptions would be given to people who reduce their C02 emissions.
Such revenues would go into a “climate fund” to support activities like the rollout of electric buses, financing for Swiss firms to innovate climate-friendly technologies, new heating systems and aid for areas vulnerable to the impact of climate change – like rural areas hit by mudslides.
Polls suggest that most voters back the measure, but the margin narrowed in May. Most Swiss cast ballots by mail, and preliminary results were expected by Sunday afternoon.
Critics say the measure would be ineffective as Switzerland’s carbon-dioxide emissions amount to a mere 0.1% of the global tally — so the problem is far bigger than the country can combat alone.
In addition, they say, the impact of the measure would cost too much and weigh heavily on a wide array of people, including lower- and middle-income families, drivers, young travellers and both home-owners and renters.
The Swiss government, which backs the proposal, and other supporters insist that the cost of inaction would be even higher, and say the measure could underpin climate-friendly innovations and create more green jobs.
Among other issues on nationwide ballots is a referendum on the government’s Covid-19 law, which generated a surge in state spending that critics say was too expensive.
A vote against the law could invalidate emergency state support that has already gone out to – and continues to go to – more than 100,000 enterprises and some one million people in the country of 8.5 million.
Polls suggest that a relatively tight contest over an initiative which aims to improve the quality of drinking water in Switzerland would make it harder for farmers to get state subsidies if they use some types of pesticides and antibiotics.
Voters also appeared set to approve the government’s push to grant police enhanced surveillance powers and take preventative action to help fight terrorism.
