Swiss Lawmakers Reject Landmark Climate Ruling in Favor of Female Climate Elders
In a contentious decision, Swiss politicians have dismissed a pivotal climate ruling by the European Court of Human Rights, raising concerns that other high-polluting nations might follow suit. The Strasbourg judges previously ruled that Switzerland's inadequate climate policies violated the human rights of older women, who are more susceptible to the effects of heatwaves.
Background of the Case
The case was brought forward by the KlimaSeniorinnen, a group of 2,400 Swiss women over 65, who argued that the government's insufficient action on climate change disproportionately affected their health and safety. The court's ruling was seen as a significant victory for climate activists, suggesting that all Council of Europe members could face legal consequences for inadequate climate policies.
Parliamentary Rejection
Despite the court's decision, the Swiss lower house voted 111 to 72 to disregard the ruling. They claimed the court had overstepped its authority and that Switzerland had sufficiently addressed climate issues. The declaration, which also passed in the upper house but is non-binding, accused the court of "inadmissible and disproportionate judicial activism."
Reactions and Implications
Corina Heri, a law researcher at the University of Zürich, criticized the parliamentary decision, warning that selectively complying with international rulings could undermine the rule of law. She emphasized the potential dangers of setting such a precedent.
During a heated parliamentary debate, right-wing politicians, particularly from the Swiss People's Party, ridiculed the KlimaSeniorinnen. Jean-Luc Addor dismissed the women as "boomeuses" attempting to deny future generations the quality of life they enjoyed.
Health Impacts of Climate Change
Research has shown that older women are particularly vulnerable during heatwaves, which have intensified due to climate change. In Switzerland, a 2022 study linked 60% of heatwave-related deaths to climate change, with older women being the most affected demographic.
Public and Activist Response
In response to the parliamentary decision, the KlimaSeniorinnen and Greenpeace submitted a petition with 22,000 signatures urging respect for human rights and adherence to international judgments. Rosmarie Wydler-Wälti, co-president of the KlimaSeniorinnen, expressed her dismay, calling the parliamentary declaration a betrayal of those suffering from climate change's effects.
International Law and Future Outlook
Evelyne Schmid, a professor of international law at the University of Lausanne, noted that small states like Switzerland have a vested interest in upholding international treaties. She warned that the parliamentary decision complicates the federal government's position and sends a problematic message about judicial activism.
As Switzerland approaches the 50th anniversary of its ratification of the European Convention on Human Rights, this decision casts a shadow over its commitment to international legal obligations and climate action.
