The Local Switzerland

Pollution linked to 'one in eight' deaths in EU countries

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 15:12:55 +0200

In the EU, 13 percent of deaths are linked to pollution, said a new report published on Tuesday by the European Environment Agency (EEA), which stressed the current pandemic put environmental health factors in the spotlight.

Switzerland tumbles down climate performance ratings

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 12:28:09 +0100

Switzerland has fallen seven places in the latest climate performance rankings, currently placed behind Morocco, India and the United Kingdom.

War on plastic leaves manufacturers clutching at straws

Sun, 01 Jul 2018 15:55:20 +0200

For decades, plastic straws have been essential props for cocktail makers, smoothie lovers and fast food addicts. But that may be starting to change, thanks largely to vigorous environmental campaigning.

Campaign draws attention to filthy air in Swiss cities

Thu, 11 Jan 2018 14:01:22 +0100

The air quality in many Swiss cities is very poor and levels of a greenhouse gas exceed European emissions standards, according to an environmental organization.

Polluter-pay garbage plan hits snags in Vaud

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 11:37:00 +0100

A scheme introduced on January 1st to charge residents for the garbage they produce in Lausanne and almost 200 other municipalities in the canton of Vaud is off to a rocky start, according to media reports.

Swiss polluted sites Zug-sized, says report

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 22:26:00 +0100

A new survey has found 38,000 sites in Switzerland that are polluted, according to the federal environment office.

Basel chemical disaster: 25 years on

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:16:33 +0100

In 1986, a fire at chemical company Sandoz caused dangerous toxins to seep into the air and the nearby river Rhine. A quarter of a century later, an expert on the accident says the site near Basel remains polluted.

'Titanic subs' to gauge Lake Geneva pollution

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 19:07:00 +0200

Two mini-submarines that have filmed the wreckage of the doomed luxury cruise liner Titanic will dive into Lake Geneva to gauge its pollution levels, Swiss researchers said Tuesday.