Implementation of Reduction Commitments Under the Kyoto Protocol in Switzerland

Abstract: Having ratified the Kyoto Protocol, Switzerland has taken on a commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by eight per cent on base year levels. This article provides a brief overview of the climate-related measures in individual policy areas. The authors then describe the content and effects of the Swiss CO2 Law, as well as the introduction of a CO2 tax and the ‘Climate Cent’. They conclude with an overview of the highly complex economic and legal practical implementation of the reduction commitments of the Kyoto Protocol in Switzerland.