Swiss Parliament Presses Climate Minister on Record Summer Heat

In a live parliamentary debate, the Swiss National Council focused on the severe heat and drought that marked the previous summer. Environment Minister Albert Rösti acknowledged the exceptional weather and faced questions from a broad coalition of parties, including the Greens, SP, GLP, Mitte, SVP and FDP. Topics ranged from climate-change mitigation and adaptation to specific concerns about forests, agriculture and the adequacy of funding for energy security and building retrofits.

FDP representative Christian Wasserfallen highlighted doubts about the effectiveness of one outlet climate policy. The discussion was interrupted for a midday break and continued later in the day.