Environmental Footprints of Switzerland
Developments from 1996 to 2015
This study shows the development of the consumption-related environmental impacts from 1996 to 2015 overall and in the areas of greenhouse gases, biodiversity, eutrophication, air pollution, water, energy and materials. Their relationship to the planetary boundaries is evaluated and the effects of possible future developments are assessed. To model the environmental footprints, this study updates work from 2011 and 2014 based on a combination of emissions data, trade data and life cycle inventory data, which were partially regionalised. The concepts of the biodiversity and the water footprint were further developed.
The analyses show that the domestic environmental impacts are decreasing whereas the impacts caused abroad continue to increase. Footprint indicators are therefore an important complement of territorial environmental indicators as they provide a comprehensive view based on the value chain in Switzerland and abroad. Most of the environmental footprints assessed are far above the level that would be compatible with the capacity limits of the planet.
An assessment of possible future developments in the areas of energy, mobility, housing, food and industry shows the considerable potential of changes in consumer behaviour and production processes along the value chain. At the same time, the results make clear that more fundamental changes are needed to reduce the environmental impacts to a level that respects the planet's capacity limits.
This project was elaborated by treeze Ltd. and Rütter Soceco AG and financed by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN).
