SWISS REJECT HIGHER LEVY ON CO2 EMISSIONS

The Swiss shot down a plan Sunday to reduce carbon emissions, sending their government back to the drawing board in order to meet its commitment under the Paris Climate Agreement.

Voters rejected a higher CO2 levy by 51.6 per cent to 48.4 per cent, swayed by claims the measure was too costly. In a separate vote, they approved of the government’s response to COVID-19, including financial aid to businesses.

“Today’s ‘no’ is not a ‘no’ to protecting the environment,” said Environment and Transport Minister Simonetta Sommaruga.

“Many people want to strengthen protections of the environment but not in this way, not with this law. The government has understood this message.”