Floods and heat Most Swiss fear an increase in extreme weather
The vast majority of Swiss people fear an increase in extreme weather events as a result of climate change. At the same time, a survey shows a high willingness to contribute to climate protection by using heat pumps for heating.
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- The majority of the Swiss population is concerned about the increase in extreme weather events and environmental damage for future generations due to climate change.
- According to the "Energy Trend Monitor 2024" survey, 69% of respondents plan to switch to heat pumps in order to modernize their heating systems and reduce CO2 emissions.
- 81% of respondents would like to accelerate the phase-out of oil and gas heating systems in old buildings.
- Financial support from the state is considered important in order to keep climate protection measures affordable.
The vast majority of Swiss people fear that extreme weather events such as heavy rain or heat will continue to increase as a result of climate change. Almost 80 percent are concerned that environmental damage for future generations will be averted too late.
In order to protect the climate, 69 percent want to switch to a heat pump for heating. These are the results of the "Energy Trend Monitor 2024" survey. Consumers in Switzerland were surveyed by a market research institute on behalf of Stiebel Eltron on a representative basis.
"The Swiss are concerned about the effects of climate change - at the same time, our survey shows a great willingness to counteract this development themselves," says Patrick Drack, Managing Director of Stiebel Eltron Switzerland.
Consequences of climate change in Switzerland
As an Alpine country, Switzerland is particularly affected by climate change: According to information from the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology (MeteoSwiss), the temperature across the country is now 2.5 degrees warmer than it was 150 years ago. Greenhouse gases such as CO2 are responsible for this. They prevent heat from escaping from the earth's atmosphere.
The warmer air can in turn absorb more water. As a result, climate change is promoting an increase in heavy rainfall - in Switzerland, the frequency has increased by 30 percent in the last 100 years or so.
The Federal Office also reports that heatwaves have become more frequent and more intense. In contrast, snow days below 800 m have decreased by 50 percent since 1970 and the volume of glaciers has shrunk by 60 percent since 1850.
Moving away from CO2
"There is no way around reducing the drivers of rising temperatures - i.e. fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas," says Drack. "Against this backdrop, we welcome the Swiss people's approval in a referendum for the rapid expansion of renewable energies in order to secure the electricity supply.
The clean electricity can be used by private households with a heat pump for heating. This is important because the boiler room is a key factor in the move away from harmful CO2 emissions in private households."
Climate protection must remain affordable
According to the "Energy Trend Monitor" survey, 81% of respondents would like to see the phasing out of oil and gas heating systems in old buildings stepped up in the fight against climate change. At the same time, people emphasize how important it is that climate protection remains affordable for private households.
Households receive financial support to switch to climate-friendly heat pump heating from the federal government, cantons and municipalities.