Global warming (greenhouse effect) is one of the most significant global environmental problems. The Climate Convention and the Kyoto Protocol form the basis under international law for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As a signatory state with a binding reduction commitment, Liechtenstein must fulfill the requirements of the Convention and the Protocol. This includes various reporting obligations and the creation of a national infrastructure to implement the mechanisms set out in the Kyoto Protocol.

Kyoto target achieved domestically for the first time

The Office for the Environment compiled the current greenhouse gas inventory for 2016 in April. Greenhouse gas emissions in 2016 amounted to196,000 tons, almost 12,000 tons below the previous year's figure. The reasons for this are the sharp drop in fuel consumption due to a mild winter in 2016 and lower fuel consumption as a result of cross-border fuel tourism. Compared to the base year 1990 of 233,000 tons of_CO2 defined in the Kyoto Protocol, emissions are 16% lower, which corresponds to the average emissions commitment for the years 2013-2020 to achieve the target.

Overview of greenhouse gas emissions in Liechtenstein from 1990-2016, broken down by sector (energy, industrial processes and products, agriculture and waste).

Mild winter and again lower fuel consumption

The mild winter in 2016 resulted in 10% lower emissions in the building sector compared to the previous year. The_{increase in the CO2 levy} in 2016 probably also resulted in bunker effects from the previous year, which led to lower heating oil sales in 2016. The_{CO2 Act} is the central instrument for climate protection in Switzerland. A levy has been imposed on heating oil and natural gas since 2008 to encourage the responsible use of fossil fuels. Since its introduction, the levy has been increased in interim steps from CHF 12 to currently CHF 96 per ton of_CO2.

Since the Swiss National Bank released the minimum exchange rate in January 2015, fuel tourism has shifted to neighboring eurozone countries. As a result, the previous year's emissions in the transport sector have fallen again by almost three percent. It is therefore not yet possible to speak of a long-term domestic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The data illustrates how strongly greenhouse gas emissions are influenced by external factors or the weather. Nevertheless, the impact of energy efficiency measures and the trend towards long-term emission reductions are mainly evident in the buildings sector.

Reduction target of minus 20 percent by 2020

As part of the Kyoto Protocol, Liechtenstein has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2020 compared to the reference year 1990. This corresponds to average emission reductions of minus 16 percent during the years 2013-2020 or an emission credit of around 196,000 tons of_CO2 per year. Liechtenstein achieved its domestic reduction target for the first time in 2016.

According to the Emissions Trading Act, the reductions must mainly take place domestically. In addition to the measures under_{the CO2 Act}, the Energy Strategy 2020 adopted in 2012 is the central instrument for achieving the climate policy objectives with domestic measures. With the efficient and targeted implementation of domestic measures, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced in the long term and show their effect with a time lag. If the reduction trend continues, foreign emission credits will only be required for the years 2013-2015 to achieve the targets.

Paris Agreement - targets up to 2030

In this legally binding agreement, it is agreed to limit average global warming to well below two degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial times. To achieve this, it is considered necessary to largely phase out the use of fossil fuels by the middle of the century. Liechtenstein ratified the Paris Climate Agreement, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol from 2020, in June 2017 and has committed to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of -40% by 2030 compared to the base year 1990. At least 30% of the emission reductions compared to 1990 are to be achieved domestically. The most important instruments for achieving the target are the_CO2 and Emissions Trading Acts. These will be adapted for the period after 2020. The measures of the Energy Strategy are to be continued until 2030 and the Energy Strategy 2030 is to include additional measures to reduce emissions and is currently in progress.

The Office for the Environment compiles the national greenhouse gas inventory every year and provides the official data to the UN Climate Change Secretariat as part of the Climate Convention. The inventory can be downloaded from the homepage of the Office for the Environment.

Climate protection

Burning fossil fuels such as heating oil, coal and natural gas produces carbon dioxide, which accumulates in the atmosphere. This man-made additional input into the environment increases the earth's natural greenhouse effect. The higher concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere leads to higher temperatures. As global temperatures change, so does the global climate. Warmer air can absorb more water vapor, leading to increased cloud formation and precipitation. Higher temperatures lead to more water evaporation from the land masses, resulting in drier soils. In order to reduce this artificial increase in harmful greenhouse gases, we must move away from fossil fuels by the middle of the century. Renewable energies such as wind, solar and hydropower mean independence from distant energy imports, are available in unlimited quantities and generate a large number of new jobs.

Climate change is also having an impact on the environment, economy and society in Liechtenstein. Measures to adapt to these effects are already necessary today and will become increasingly important in the future. The government took note of the national adaptation strategy on 27.3.2018. The strategy formulates goals and principles for adaptation and describes the cross-sectoral challenges and measures for adapting to climate change in Liechtenstein.

As adaptation to climate change is an overarching cross-cutting issue, the strategy was subject to broad consultation before being approved by the government.

Adaptation strategy to climate change in Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is obliged to draw up an annual greenhouse gas inventory in accordance with the requirements of the Climate Convention and the Kyoto Protocol. It forms the basis for reviewing the reduction target. Since the 2006 submission year, the Office for the Environment has been compiling the inventory exactly according to the specifications of the Climate Secretariat. The inventories are presented in tables according to a specified format (Common Reporting Format) (CRF tables). The inventory must be accompanied by an accompanying report (National Inventory Document NID). Liechtenstein also prepared the first NID in the submission year 2006.

The so-called Initial Report also had to be prepared by the deadline of December 31, 2006. The report and the complete climate gas inventory, which is an integral part of the report, form the basis for the definitive determination of the reduction commitments of each country. The initial report is based on the climate gas inventory "Submission December 2006".

Submission

The inventory is presented in tables (CRF tables) according to the specifications of the UN Secretariat in a specified format (Common Reporting Format). An accompanying report (National Inventory Report NIR) has also been prepared for the inventory.

In accordance with the resolutions of the Conference of the Parties, each state party is obliged to regularly prepare a climate report (National Communication) and submit it to the Secretariat of the Convention. It provides information on the status of national emissions of greenhouse gases, implemented and planned policies and measures as well as the measures taken to implement further commitments under the Kyoto Protocol. In Cancún during COP16, it was decided, among other things, to introduce biennial reports on national progress in reducing emissions for Annex I countries. This report should contain data on emission reductions achieved, information on mitigation measures to achieve the reduction targets, information on emission trends and information on support in the areas of financing, technology and capacity building for non-Annex I countries.

Fact sheet on climate data in Liechtenstein: In collaboration with the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology MeteoSwiss, the Office for the Environment has summarized the historical climate data for Liechtenstein and presented it in a fact sheet. The brochure provides information on the current status of selected climate indicators as well as possible future developments for the period up to 2060.

Facts and figures on the climate in Liechtenstein

Climate change is one of the greatest global challenges of our time, and Liechtenstein is already directly affected by it today, as it is leading to a significant increase in extreme weather events such as heat waves and heavy precipitation.

Liechtenstein has a fundamental interest in limiting the negative consequences of climate change and preventing damage and negative effects of global warming on productivity and health as far as possible. The aim must be to create a future in which people align their needs with the available resources and thus live in harmony with the environment, thereby initiating sustainable development in the country that offers opportunities for our innovative business location.

By signing the Paris Climate Agreement, Liechtenstein has committed to working with 189 other countries to achieve global decarbonization in order to prevent further local and global damage to property, life and limb.

This Climate Vision 2050 is a first step towards achieving these goals.

Climate Vision 2050