Climate Change: Responsibilities and Economic Opportunities

This lecture discusses the importance of reducing emissions in small countries, emphasizing five key reasons for taking action independently of larger nations. The instructor highlights the responsibility of smaller nations to lead by example, the potential economic benefits from emission reductions, and the health advantages of a cleaner environment. The lecture presents data on CO2 emissions per capita, comparing Switzerland with other countries, and illustrates the disparities in emissions due to wealth distribution. The instructor also discusses the cost-effectiveness of various measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, noting that many strategies can be implemented at little to no cost. The lecture further explores Switzerland's climate policy objectives, including the need for a strong commitment to decarbonization and the challenges posed by economic and demographic growth. The discussion concludes with an evaluation of Switzerland's performance against its climate goals and the necessity for a more aggressive approach to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.