Swiss Academies Factsheets

Scientific experts contribute to the publication series “Factsheets” of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences. Factsheets are short and concise presentations of a topic based on state-of-the-art research. They are designated for politics, administration, practice, education, media and further interested groups.

Publication series

2019

Open Science in Switzerland: Opportunities and Challenges

This Factsheet contains recommendations to shape Open Access and Open Data so that they foster scientific progress and benefit society in Switzerland.

2019

Nationale Bedeutung naturwissenschaftlicher Sammlungen der Schweiz

Landwirtschaft, Umweltschutz, Verkehrsinfrastrukturen – viele Erkenntnisse stützen auf Wissen aus naturwissenschaftlichen Sammlungen. In der Schweiz lagern über 60 Millionen Objekte verteilt in allen Kantonen. Sie sind für die moderne Forschung jedoch kaum verwendbar, da sie lückenhaft bestimmt und klassifiziert und nur gerade 17 Prozent der Objektdaten digital erfasst sind. Der Erhalt von Expertenwissen und eine virtuelle Infrastruktur zur Vernetzung der Objektsammlungen und Datenbanken sind für die föderal organisierte Schweiz notwendig, um den Wissenschaftsplatz und Innovationsstandort nachhaltig zu stützen. Forschende planen eine koordinierte Strategie zum grösstmöglichen Nutzen für Wissenschaft, Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft.

2018

Governance of regional development

Regional development is a mainstay of Swiss domestic policy, as evidenced by the federal government’s New
Regional Policy, regional nature parks, and more. But how do regional development processes really work? And how could they be more effectively supported?

2018

Reverse emissions or influence solar radiation: Is “geoengineering” worthwhile, feasible and if so, at what price?

The aim of the Paris Agreement is to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, if possible even 1.5 degrees Celsius. Various scenarios show that very great efforts are necessary to achieve these goals through emission reduction measures alone. This motivates the search for additional solutions. Technical interventions in the climate system, often referred to by collective terms such as “geoengineering” or “climate intervention”, are therefore discussed.

2018

Wildlife and humans in outdoor recreational areas near cities

Outdoor recreational areas in the vicinity of cities buzz with activity, not only during the day, but also in the early mornings, late evenings, and even at night.

2018

New approaches for protecting potatoes against late blight

Late blight continues to result in major losses and a considerable use of pesticides in potato farming. Research is under pressure to improve existing control strategies and develop new solutions. A combination of these approach- es could enable potato farming in Switzerland to generate greater yields and become more ecological.

2017

Wasser in der Schweiz

Wasser ist in der Schweiz selten knapp und meistens gesundheitlich unbedenklich. Durch neue Konsummuster, die Klimaänderung und energiepolitische Entscheidungen verändern sich sowohl die Verfügbarkeit wie die Nutzung des Wassers.

2017

Spotlight on climate in Switzerland

The average surface temperature of the Earth has seen extraordinarily large increases since the middle of the 20th century – and we know why. It is primarily we humans who change the earth’s energy balance by releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Because of the particular sensitivity of its natural systems to climate change, Switzerland has a vested interest in a quick and comprehensive shift by the international community to a carbon-neutral economy and lifestyle.

2016

Outdoor Sports Infrastructure Planning – Hiking and Mountain Biking

Hiking and mountain biking are extremely popular sports activities. Especially in mountain areas, they are the two main summertime leisure activities. Many natural habitats, however, have been affected by the frequent presence of large numbers of people; conflicts between different kinds of users have also arisen. This factsheet presents various planning tools for conflict prevention or resolution, and provides an overview of likely future challenges.

Factsheet «Ozon und Sommersmog: Klimawandel gefährdet heutige Erfolge

2016

Ozon und Sommersmog: Klimawandel gefährdet heutige Erfolge

Der Ozongehalt in der Umgebungsluft hat trotz erfolgreicher Luftreinhaltemassnahmen in der Schweiz nur wenig abgenommen. Damit belastet der Sommersmog nach wie vor die menschliche Gesundheit. Mit dem Klimawandel dürften heisse Sommer wie 2003 und 2015 künftig häufiger auftreten und das Ozonproblem erneut verschärfen.

2016

Factsheet «New plant breeding techniques for Swiss agriculture – significant potential, uncertain future»

The genetic makeup of plants can be modified precisely by means of new breeding techniques. Typically, these changes could also occur naturally and, in the process, no genetic material that is unrelated to the species remains in the plant. The techniques significantly broaden the possibilities for plant breeding, thereby potentially helping to make Swiss agriculture more environmentally friendly, economically viable and ultimately more sustainable.1 As some varieties developed by using the new breeding techniques already exist and new ones are expected to follow shortly, it is imperative to determine whether or not plants engineered by means of these new techniques are subject to the Gene Technology Act. From a natural scientific point of view, there is no reason for a strict regulation of plants bred in this fashion.

2016

Energiestrategie und Gesundheit: Was bei der Umsetzung der Energiestrategie zu beachten ist

Die geplante Umsetzung der Energiestrategie 2050 des Bundesrats wird u.a. Auswirkungen auf die Gesundheit und die Bevölkerung haben. Dieses Faktenblatt bietet eine Übersicht über Gesundheitsaspekte, die von Massnahmen im Rahmen der Energiestrategie betroffen sind.

2016

Making the Commodity Sector Work for Developing Countries - Local Impacts, Global Links, and Knowledge Gaps

Switzerland occupies an important position in the global trade of hard and soft commodities. Companies headquartered within its borders directly or indirectly shape commodity extraction practices around the world, some of which carry considerable negative environmental and social risks on the ground, particularly in fragile contexts. Minimizing these risks and maximizing shared economic gains could enable mutually beneficial development and counteract persistent social and political inequality.

2016

Switzerland and the Commodities Trade - Taking Stock and Looking Ahead

This factsheet outlines key challenges, knowledge gaps, and research questions centring on Switzerland’s role and potential responsibility as a leading commodity hub. It concludes with suggestions of possible avenues for future research and policy.

2015

Health and global change in an interconnected world - Concerns and responsibilities for Switzerland

This factsheet of the Swiss Academies highlights the principal drivers of global change, placing particular emphasis on associated health impacts.

2014

Energiepolitik und Klimaschutz mit Luftreinhaltung verbinden

Die Umsetzung der Energiestrategie soll mit den Zielen der Luftreinhaltung übereinstimmen. So wirkt sich die Verbrennung von Holz in Kleinstanlagen zwar positiv auf das Klima aus, führt jedoch zu hohen Feinstaub-Emissionen. Dabei lässt sich die Luftreinhaltung generell gut mit dem Klimaschutz und der Energiestrategie verbinden, weil Treibhausgase und Luftschadstoffe meist aus denselben Quellen stammen.

2014

A Focus on fracking

Fracking facilitates the economic use of otherwise inaccessible gas resources, and is also used in deep geothermics. The factsheet published by the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences provides arguments for the discussion of these techniques.

Factsheet: The economic impact of tourism in Swiss parks

2014

Added value from tourism in Swiss parks

Many rural and regional economies have been affected by decreasing availability of jobs in the forestry and agri cultural sectors. This has led to increases in commuter numbers and depopulation. The negative impact of such structural change may be mitigated by the wide range of activities offered by parks and protected areas, which may lead to the creation of jobs in many sectors. This potential is one of the premises of the Swiss Parks Ordin ance (Federal Council 2007), whose explicit purpose it is both to conserve natural habitats and landscapes, and to encourage sustainable regional business activities.

2014

Bienen und andere Bestäuber: Bedeutung für Landwirtschaft und Biodiversität (2014)

Honigbienen und andere Insekten bestäuben viele Pflanzen und sind damit unerlässlich für eine produktive Landwirtschaft, gesunde Ernährung und eine vielfältige Natur. Die Blütenbestäuber sind jedoch in Bedrängnis, auch in der Schweiz. Die Honigbiene hat mit zahlreichen Problemen zu kämpfen, und wildlebende Bestäuber zeigen bedenkliche Abnahmen ihrer Individuen- und Artenzahlen. Heutige Massnahmen wirken zwar teilweise, doch reichen sie nicht aus, um die bestäubenden Insekten und ihre Leistungen langfristig zu erhalten. Dieses Faktenblatt der Akademien der Wissenschaften Schweiz zeigt den aktuellen Wissensstand und Handlungsoptionen auf.

2013

Genetically modified crops and their importance for Swiss agriculture

Swiss agriculture needs to increase production, while maintaining the same quality and at the same time reducing environmental impact. New agricultural methods and technologies are important for the attainment of these agricultural policy targets. The development and cultivation of genetically modified crops can contribute towards achieving these goals. The utilisation of such plants in research and food production is currently hampered by legal constraints.

Factsheet Environmental change and migration in developing countries

2013

Environmental changes and migration in developing countries

In what way do global environmental changes and climate change, in particular, affect migration flows in and from developing countries? The Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences summarise the state of knowledge in a recently published fact sheet.

2013

Die Verbuschung des Alpenraums durch die Grünerle

Gebüsche aus Grünerlen überwuchern nicht mehr genutzte Alpweiden. Dadurch sinkt die Biodiversität, die Böden versauern und der Erosions- und Lawinenschutz ist im Vergleich zu einer Wiederbewaldung schlechter. Auf die akute Gefahr für die Alpen machen die Akademien der Wissenschaften Schweiz in einem soeben publizierten Factsheet aufmerksam.

2012

Food security for a planet under pressure – and the challenges for Switzerland

Hunger and malnutrition are among the greatest challenges regarding human health and
sustainable development. Today, the number of hungry people in the world exceeds the combined
population of the USA, Canada and the European Union. All the same, the challenge of feeding
the world is considered to be achievable provided that the global community acts decisively.

2012

Mountains, a priority for a planet under pressure and for Switzerland

Mountains provide vital goods and services for the benefit of all humankind, helping to support
sustainable development and to move the world towards a greener economy. But mountains
face challenges that threaten the provision of these goods and services. The global community
must act – a new agenda for mountain development is urgently required.