Federal Councillor Sommaruga and US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry, hold bilateral talks
Berne, 05.08.2021 - On 5 August, Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga held talks with John Kerry, the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. The virtual meeting focused on global climate protection. Both countries believe that international efforts are vital to counter the advance of global warming.
The US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry, and Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga emphasised the importance of effective climate protection. This requires a joint effort by all countries around the world. Both Switzerland and the USA are committed to ambitious climate protection measures at international level. John Kerry emphasised that the G20 countries in particular should lead the way with ambitious emission reduction measures. He also called for the rapid phasing out of coal energy and a stop to the financing of this harmful form of energy. Switzerland, too, is working within the framework of international institutions to ensure that no more new coal-fired power plants are financed. In the run up to COP26, which will take place in Glasgow in just under 3 months’ time, Mr Kerry and Ms Sommaruga agreed that robust rules are needed with regard to the crediting of emission reductions achieved abroad. Greenhouse gas emissions that one country reduces in another should not be able to be counted in both countries, nor should the environment be burdened. Mr Kerry informed Ms Sommaruga of the USA’s intention to increase significantly its financial support for climate policy measures in developing countries. Both agreed that financial support must be strengthened, but that the donor base must be broadened for this to happen: wealthier emerging economies must also support the poorest countries in their efforts.
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Veronika Elgart, FOEN 058 464 74 83
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Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications
https://www.uvek.admin.ch/uvek/en/home.html
Federal Office for the Environment FOEN
https://www.bafu.admin.ch/en
