Press releases
Antibiotic resistance: further efforts required despite progress made so far
The new “Swiss Antibiotic Resistance Report 2024” (SARR 2024) shows that the use of antibiotics, particularly in veterinary medicine, continues to decline. At the same time, the report highlights the need for further efforts to ensure appropriate use of antibiotics and to combat resistance. Monitoring of antibiotic use and of the development of resistance in humans, farm and companion animals and the environment is a key tool for implementing the Swiss Strategy on Antibiotic Resistance (StAR) of the federal offices responsible for public health (FOPH), food safety and veterinary affairs (FSVO), agriculture (FOAG) and the environment (FOEN).
Antibiotic resistance: further efforts required despite progress made so far
The new “Swiss Antibiotic Resistance Report 2024” (SARR 2024) shows that the use of antibiotics, particularly in veterinary medicine, continues to decline. At the same time, the report highlights the need for further efforts to ensure appropriate use of antibiotics and to combat resistance. Monitoring of antibiotic use and of the development of resistance in humans, farm and companion animals and the environment is a key tool for implementing the Swiss Strategy on Antibiotic Resistance (StAR) of the federal offices responsible for public health (FOPH), food safety and veterinary affairs (FSVO), agriculture (FOAG) and the environment (FOEN).
Climate: Federal Council approves new reduction targets under the Paris Agreement
At its meeting on 29 January, the Federal Council approved Switzerland's new reduction target under the Paris Agreement. This corresponds to the reduction path of the Swiss Climate and Innovation Act. By 2035, Switzerland should reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 65 per cent compared to 1990 levels, and by 59 per cent on average between 2031 and 2035. The objectives are to be achieved primarily through domestic measures. At the same time, the Federal Council approved an amendment to the long-term climate strategy.
New publication: Transboundary movement of waste
The transboundary movement of waste is regulated in the Basel Convention and in the OECD Council Decision. As Switzerland has ratified the Basel Convention and is a member of the OECD, the relevant provisions are also valid for Switzerland. This information brochure is directed at exporters and importers of waste and it describes the international and domestic regulations relating to transboundary shipments. Vague legal concepts are clarified and, in particular, the necessary conditions and procedures for obtaining an export authorisation and import consent are explained.
Antibiotic resistance: further efforts required despite progress made so far
The new “Swiss Antibiotic Resistance Report 2024” (SARR 2024) shows that the use of antibiotics, particularly in veterinary medicine, continues to decline. At the same time, the report highlights the need for further efforts to ensure appropriate use of antibiotics and to combat resistance. Monitoring of antibiotic use and of the development of resistance in humans, farm and companion animals and the environment is a key tool for implementing the Swiss Strategy on Antibiotic Resistance (StAR) of the federal offices responsible for public health (FOPH), food safety and veterinary affairs (FSVO), agriculture (FOAG) and the environment (FOEN).
Financial Markets Climate Test 2024
In 2024 the FOEN conducted the PACTA Climate Test for the fourth time. The test assesses the climate impact of the participating Swiss financial institutions' investment portfolios. The results of the latest test show that a majority of financial institutions now include the net-zero target in their corporate strategy. However, they are not yet doing enough to meet this target. The internationally coordinated PACTA test is conducted on the initiative of the Federal Office for the Environment FOEN in conjunction with the State Secretariat for International Finance SIF.
Swiss Forestry Statistics 2023 - Swiss timber harvest lower by 6% in 2023
In 2023, 4.9 million cubic metres of timber were harvested in Switzerland, a decrease of almost 6% compared to the previous year. There was a noticeable decline in sawlogs (–12%) and the harvests of industrial roundwood (–1%) and chopped wood (–5%). Meanwhile, the proportion of wood harvested for alternative fuel options (wood chips) continued to grow (+5%) and take up a larger share ‒ around 30% ‒ of the total harvest. The share of fuel wood in the total timber harvest has doubled in the last 20 years. These are some of the findings of the Forestry Statistics published by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Federal Council steps up fight against antibiotic resistance
The number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is on the rise all over the world. This poses a growing threat to the effective treatment of infections and places a significant burden on health systems, including Switzerland’s. In order to ramp up the fight against antibiotic resistance, the Federal Council adopted the new One Health Action Plan for StAR 2024-2027 as part of the Swiss Antibiotic Resistance Strategy (StAR) at its meeting on 26 June 2024. This Action Plan promotes effective measures, sets out national objectives and takes innovative approaches to ensure the long-term availability and effectiveness of antibiotics to preserve human and animal health.
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