Federal vote in Geneva –
“The Swiss economy must respect planetary limits”
In Geneva, left, unions and environmental organizations defend the federal initiative for environmental responsibility.
Published today at 6:06 p.m.
A large cantonal committee supports the initiative “For a responsible economy respecting planetary limits” (initiative for environmental responsibility): Jeunes Verts, the Greens, the Socialist Party, the Socialist Youth, SolidaritéS, the LUP, the SIT, the CGAS , active-trafiC, Grandparents for the climate, Elders for the climate, Noé21, Pro Natura, Greenpeace and the ATE.
Martial Trezzini/keystone-sda.ch
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It was symbolically in front of the Cargill headquarters in Pont-Rouge that a large coalition invited the press to defend the yes vote for the Young Greens initiative “for a responsible economy respecting planetary limits”, in federal vote on February 9.
“Large companies are the main culprits for environmental crises,” says Margot Wohnlich, co-president of Jeunes Verts Genève. Other representatives of left-wing parties and associations (Greenpeace, active-trafiC, etc.) denounced the impasse of infinite growth on a planet with limited resources.
However, Swiss production and imports far exceed the regeneration capacities of our planet. This is why the initiative calls for economic activities to use resources and emit pollutants only to the extent that the natural bases of life are conserved.
“Our living conditions are at stake!” insists Margot Wohnlich.
Respect for planetary boundaries must be achieved through socially acceptable measures in Switzerland and abroad, according to the initiative. The environmental crisis affects the most precarious and the South pays a heavy price for the plunder of resources, recalls the coalition.
Inaction will be costly
Business circles, the Federal Council and parliament believe that the restrictions would cause the economy to fall while increasing prices at all levels.
For former Green MP Sophie Desbiolles, these “disaster scenarios” come out of nowhere: “On the contrary, it is inaction that will be very costly. Climate disasters will cost 10 billion per year!”
Implementation of the initiative would be up to parliament. Sophie Desbiolles gives ideas: circular economy, ecological transition, corporate responsibility, etc. “A fund for ecological transition could be created by reallocating subsidies to ecocidal sectors,” she adds.
“Yes, our lifestyles would change drastically, but for the better, by stopping being slaves to the consumer society, breathing clean air and consuming healthy foods!”
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Laurence Bézaguet has worked at the Tribune de Genève since 1995. Started his career at Courrier before working for six years at the daily La Suisse. Was also an independent journalist for eighteen months in Canada and wrote a book on the Crossing of the Harbor, published in 1996, with former State Councilor David Hiler. More info
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