A new association called “Cercle climat” was established on September 19, 2022, in Fribourg. It was created out of the cantons’ desire to join forces and coordinate their climate action. Christophe Joerin, head of the Fribourg State Environmental Office, was elected president of the association.
The cantons represented by the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Directors of Public Works, Spatial Planning, and the Environment (DTAP), the Conference of Cantonal Energy Directors (EnDK), the Conference of Heads of Environmental Protection Services (CCE), and the Conference of Cantonal Energy Services (EnFK) have approved the bylaws of a new association called “Cercle climat.” This body serves as an additional mechanism available to the cantons to act quickly and in a coordinated manner on climate issues. It will strengthen the actions carried out in Switzerland and Liechtenstein by the cantonal administrations involved in developing or implementing the climate strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the impacts of climate change, and to develop carbon sinks.
Constituent Assembly
The founding meeting of the “Climate Circle” took place on September 19, 2022, in Fribourg. Jean-François Steiert, Fribourg State Councilor, Director of Territorial Development, Infrastructure, Mobility, and the Environment, and Vice President of the DTAP, opened the session by emphasizing the solemnity of the moment, which was commensurate with the stakes involved. The cantons have decided to join forces to tackle the many challenges ahead related to global warming and to respond to the urgency of the situation. They have a decisive role to play in building a climate-responsible society, in collaboration with other public institutions, businesses, associations, and the public. The overall goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change can only be achieved through the collective effort of all cantons, as their role is essential to this shared mission.
“Climate Circle”
Each canton has appointed representatives from the cantonal bodies responsible for climate policy to represent it within the “Climate Circle.” The members elected an initial board during the founding assembly. Christophe Joerin, head of the Environment Department of the Canton of Fribourg, will chair the association. His goal is to foster dialogue and collaboration among the cantons in order to address the climate emergency.
