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Climate Law

On June 18 2023, Swiss citizens will vote on the indirect counterproposal to the Glacier Initiative (Federal Act on Climate Protection Goals, Innovation and Strengthening Energy Security). The law sets a target of zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, as well as interim targets for buildings, transport and industry, and measures to achieve the targets.

To make the views of research economists in academia on the topic visible to the public, the KOF, together with the Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ), conducted in May 2023 a short survey.

KOF contacted 853 economists for the survey. We received responses from 124 economists from 17 institutions.

Results

1. If Switzerland sets a net zero emissions target for 2050, do you think it will be able to achieve it with the measures contained in the counterproposal up for vote? I think Switzerland can

achieve this target.probably achieve this target.probably not achieve this target.not achieve this target.I prefer not to answer.05101520253035
in %

2. Switzerland counts emission reductions from climate protection projects abroad: According to the revised CO2 law (currently under consultation), in 2030 emissions should be 50 percent below 1990 levels, with two-thirds of the savings to be made domestically. For economic reasons, Switzerland should achieve

its emission reductions where costs are lowest in the world.at least one third of its emission reductions domestically.at least two-thirds of its emission reductions domestically, as proposed in the revised CO2 law for 2030.its emission reductions entirely domestically.I prefer not to answer.010203040
in %

3. Market-based instruments for reducing CO2 emissions include CO2 levies or CO2 certificates. Which of these two instruments do you consider more appropriate?

Neither CO2 levies nor CO2 certificates are appropriate instruments.CO2 certificates are more appropriate than CO2 levies.CO2 levies and CO2 certificates are equally appropriate.CO2 levies are more appropriate than CO2 certificates.I prefer not to answer.05101520253035
in %

4. If companies from countries with less ambitious climate targets export their goods to Switzerland, they may face a cost advantage over Swiss companies. Should Switzerland therefore introduce CO2 levies (border adjustment tax) on imports from such countries?  

Yes, Switzerland should introduce such a border adjustment tax.No, Switzerland should not introduce such a border adjustment tax.I prefer not to answer.010203040506070
in %

5. If Swiss companies export their goods to countries with less ambitious climate targets, they may face a cost disadvantage. Should Switzerland therefore introduce subsidies for exports to such countries?  

Yes, Switzerland should introduce such export subsidies.No, Switzerland should not introduce export subsidies.I prefer not to answer.010203040506070
in %

6. The emissions trading systems in Switzerland and the EU both cover parts of industry and aviation. Do you consider emissions trading to be an appropriate instrument for these and possibly other sectors of the economy, so that the coverage of the systems should be expanded, maintained or reduced? The instrument of emissions trading should  

be expanded.be maintained at about the current level of coverage.be reduced.I prefer not to answer.010203040506070
in %

The press release can be found here.

The NZZ article (in German) can be found external page here.

About this survey

KOF is acting as a mediator between academic researchers and the public. It aims to make the voices of research economists heard. KOF categorises economic researchers as those from Swiss research institutions who have published scientifically.

 The survey was conducted together with the external page Neuen Zürcher Zeitung.

Contact

Dr. Nina Mühlebach
  • LEE G 113
  • +41 44 633 86 09
  • muehlebach@kof.ethz.ch

KOF FB Konjunkturumfragen
Leonhardstrasse 21
8092 Zürich
Switzerland

Dr. Klaus Abberger
  • LEE G 121
  • +41 44 632 51 56
  • abberger@kof.ethz.ch

KOF Konjunkturforschungsstelle
Leonhardstrasse 21
8092 Zürich
Switzerland