Role of humans

Most everyday human activities result in climate-damaging greenhouse gas emissions which massively influence the climate. Industrial and agricultural processes also harm our climate. Industrialised nations are responsible for 80 percent of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions, despite only comprising 20 percent of the world's population.

Humans mainly change the climate by emitting greenhouse gases and aerosols as well as changing landscape formations. While certain human influences (e.g. aerosols) can have a cooling effect, the sum total of human activities is leading to a distinct warming of the planet. Thus, there is a high probability that most of the observed increase in temperatures over the last 50 years is caused by human greenhouse gas emissions.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) made it clear in its report "Climate Change 2007" that greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere have to be reduced in order to limit the global temperature increase by 2100 to 2 degrees Celsius. The proposed emission value corresponds to 1 to 2 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per head, per year.

Currently, the annual per-head emissions of CO2-equivalent for a Swiss person are on average more than 3.5 times the value strived for. Although the reduction to 1 to 2 tonnes of CO2-equivalent per head, per year, is a tough requirement, the examples in the graphs show that a reduction compared to today’s figure is possible.

Source: BAFU, BFE, ecoinvent 2006, IPCC, UVEK 2007

To meet the aims, one flight every 15 years to Bali or Australia would be possible. At the same time, no more than 1,000 kilometres would be allowed to be driven by car per year.