Switzerland, often seen as a leader in climate action, faces a significant challenge from "grey emissions" – the greenhouse gases generated by imported goods and services. These emissions, largely overlooked in current climate policy, are more than double the country's domestic output. A new conference in Bern aims to bring this critical issue into focus, exploring legal and political strategies to address it.
Key Takeaways
- Switzerland's "grey emissions" are double its domestic emissions.
- These emissions come from imported goods and services like food, textiles, and digital media.
- Current climate law primarily targets domestic emissions, leaving a gap for imports.
- The 2nd Bern Climate Law Conference will address this gap on October 30, 2025.
- Experts from various fields will discuss legal and political solutions.
The Scale of Grey Emissions in Switzerland
Switzerland's domestic greenhouse gas emissions have fallen by approximately 25% since 1990. This reduction stands in contrast to global trends. However, this positive picture changes dramatically when considering grey emissions.
Grey emissions refer to the carbon footprint associated with the production, use, and disposal of imported services and products. This includes everything from the food on our plates and the clothes we wear to the digital media we consume. Mobility and infrastructure imports also contribute significantly.
Startling Statistic
Switzerland's grey emissions are estimated at around 75 million tons of CO₂ equivalents annually. This figure is more than double the country's domestic emissions, which currently stand at about 41 million tons.
Thomas Frölicher, a Professor of Climate and Environmental Physics at the Oeschger Centre for Climate Research (OCCR) at the University of Bern, highlights the unique situation. "As a financially strong but resource-poor country, Switzerland imports a comparatively large number of goods," Frölicher explains. This reliance on imports makes Switzerland's proportional share of grey emissions one of the highest globally.
A Legal Blind Spot for Climate Policy
Despite their substantial volume, grey emissions have received limited attention in public discussions about climate protection. This lack of focus extends to legal frameworks, according to climate law expert Charlotte Blattner.
Blattner, a Professor at the Centre de droit public at the University of Lausanne and an associated researcher at the OCCR, points out a critical legal gap. "Climate protection law primarily addresses domestic emissions," she states. "Grey emissions, however, exist in a legal grey area where responsibility and jurisdiction have been insufficiently regulated so far."
"Climate protection law primarily addresses domestic emissions. Grey emissions, however, exist in a legal grey area where responsibility and jurisdiction have been insufficiently regulated so far."
This oversight means that a significant portion of Switzerland's overall carbon footprint remains largely unaddressed by existing climate policies and regulations. The legal framework needs to evolve to encompass the global nature of modern supply chains and consumption patterns.
The 2nd Bern Climate Law Conference: Seeking Solutions
To tackle this complex issue, the 2nd Bern Climate Law Conference will dedicate its focus entirely to grey emissions. The event is scheduled for Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 9:15 AM to 5:00 PM at the University of Bern, in the Kuppelraum of the main building, Hochschulstrasse 4, 3012 Bern.
The conference is co-organized by Charlotte Blattner, who will also be a speaker. Professor Thomas Frölicher will also present his research. The event will bring together leading researchers, representatives from government administration, industry, and non-governmental organizations.
About the Oeschger Centre for Climate Research (OCCR)
The OCCR is a strategic center at the University of Bern, fostering interdisciplinary climate science. Established in 2007 and named after climate research pioneer Hans Oeschger, it unites researchers from 14 institutes and four faculties to advance understanding of climate change.
The primary goal of the conference is to examine grey emissions from multiple perspectives. Participants will explore the legal and political avenues available to address this often-hidden aspect of climate change. Discussions will aim to identify concrete steps and policy recommendations for Switzerland to manage its imported carbon footprint more effectively.
The Path Forward for Switzerland
Addressing grey emissions requires a shift in how Switzerland approaches climate policy. It moves beyond national borders to consider the global impact of consumption choices. This includes everything from watching Netflix and eating tropical fruits to buying fast fashion.
The conference represents a crucial step in integrating these externalized emissions into the national climate agenda. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the event seeks to foster a comprehensive understanding and develop actionable strategies.
- Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025
- Time: 9:15 AM to 5:00 PM
- Location: University of Bern, Kuppelraum, Main Building, Hochschulstrasse 4, 3012 Bern
- Admission for Media: Free (Registration requested by Monday, October 27, 2025, via [email protected])
The discussions at the 2nd Bern Climate Law Conference could lay the groundwork for new legal and political frameworks. These frameworks would aim to hold Switzerland accountable for its total carbon footprint, including the emissions generated beyond its borders. This holistic approach is essential for the country to maintain its reputation as a climate leader and achieve its long-term environmental goals.