Global warming impacting Switzerland at a faster rate than expected

Climate change is impacting Switzerland faster than previously predicted, according to a report by MeteoSwiss, the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology and ETH Zurich.

Switzerland warming faster than the global average

The country loved for its glaciers, winter sports and snow-topped mountains is “becoming hotter, drier and more unpredictable”, reports Watson. A new study, Climate Scenarios for Switzerland, has found that the country is warming faster than anticipated. 

The report, published by MeteoSwiss and the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology in collaboration with ETH Zurich, presents potential future climate scenarios based on the latest data.

According to the study, between 1900 and 2024, the global average temperature increased by 1,3 degrees celsius. During the same period in Switzerland, temperatures have risen at a faster rate, by 2,9 degrees celsius. 

Furthermore, if global warming continues at the current rate, then global temperatures will rise by 3 degrees celsius by the end of this century. In Switzerland, temperatures could rise by 4,9 degrees celsius.

Why is Switzerland warming faster than the global average?

The alpine nation is heating up faster than other parts of the world due to its topography and geography. ETH Zurich climate researcher Reto Knutti described it as “a hotspot for global warming”. 

Switzerland is landlocked, surrounded by other countries and without an ocean to “absorb large amounts of heat”, reports 20 Minuten. As ice and snow start to melt, soil and rock are exposed and absorb heat that otherwise would have been reflected.

The study found that in the future, the weather in Switzerland could get more unpredictable. Summers may get hotter and drier, while winters may see heavier, more frequent rain and less snow. The hottest day of the year could be around 4,4 degrees celsius warmer than in recent years and will be accompanied by tropical summer nights, particularly in Swiss cities.

Federal councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider commented that “the results [of the study] are alarming. But that doesn’t mean nothing can be done about it.” The study is the fourth report shared with the federal government to help shape Switzerland’s climate policy going forward.