In 2017, too, considerably more companies and private individuals have again implemented climate protection, offset emissions, taken up offers of advice using myclimate and become involved on a local and global level.
Kathrin Dellantonio, member of the myclimate management committee, comments: "More than 800,000 tonnes of offset CO₂ emissions mean a further increase by more than ten percent for the record year. New, strong partnerships allow us to look into the future with confidence. The continued growing interest of companies in our services, whether consulting contracts or educational engagements, likewise confirms our work. However, looking at the overly slow progress in the fight against climate change and the great potential for sustainable development around the world – in our projects and beyond – there is still much to do. We are moving in the right direction but the speed is not yet sufficient."
myclimate 2017 – the most important figures
The Foundation’s total income in 2017 amounted to 14.29 million Swiss francs. Out of this, CHF 10.63 million applied to income from the CO₂ compensation. The business areas of education and consulting & solutions contributed to the overall result with 1.4 million and 1.6 million Swiss francs. Compensations and donations from private individuals via the myclimate web calculators have increased steadily and accounted for a good one million Swiss francs.
In 2017, myclimate projects have also made massive savings to CO₂ emissions around the world and have demonstrably contributed to the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Six million tonnes of CO₂ reductions have been generated since the Foundation was established. Over this time, more than 100 million Swiss francs have been mobilised for climate protection by companies, institutions and private individuals. This resulted, amongst other things, in the instalment of more than 600,000 efficient cook stoves and around 56,000 small biogas plants. It has enabled more than 9,000 jobs to be created. At the same time, more than 20,000 school children, 9,000 apprentices and trainees in Switzerland and 1,600 students around the world have been motivated to take the initiative. In total, more than 5.4 million people around the world have benefited from the effects of myclimate since 2002.
The myclimate Annual Report 2017 including detailed financial statement revised by KPMG Ltd. can be viewed here.
More climate protection would be possible
In 2017, myclimate also experienced that the available willingness and possibilities for more effective climate protection was not being utilised. When buying a product or booking a service, customers and private individuals in general still find that there is far too rarely a simple, transparent option to take responsibility for their own emissions by way of compensation. Everywhere that this is possible in an easy, transparent and quick way, the participation rates are high (e.g. with Hotelplan, Swiss Youth Hostels or Mobility).
"Together with many partners, myclimate has created successful, established solutions that are now outgrowing the pioneer phase and having a great impact. I am convinced that these solutions represent the start of a long-term path to success for climate protection and sustainable development. The time is ripe for great acts of climate protection!" says Urs Egger, president of the myclimate Foundation Board, throwing a positive glance towards the future.