In the aftermath of the Paris Agreement, where each country committed to a set of measures to bring global warming to a halt, cities and communities in Switzerland and beyond are quickly realising that sustainability is not simply a buzzword. Besides working towards the global goal to reduce emissions below the 2-degree threshold, sustainability actually enhances a community's resilience and guarantees new innovations in cities.
This is why Swiss NGO myblueplanet and Zurich-based global sustainability solutions provider South Pole have decided to team up to incentivize climate action.
myblueplanet's new initiative called Climate Protection in Action ("Klimaschutz konkret") is a program designed to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in cities and communities all over Switzerland and to discuss with the citizens how to save greenhouse gas emissions in daily activities - by eating vegetarian or commuting by bike, for example. The goal of 'Climate Protection in Action' is to raise awareness of and take sustainable behavior from words to action in a playful way. With the help of an online platform, the citizens will be able to make their actions visible. Each participating city or community will receive 12 climate impact reduction suggestions or 'tips' from the organiser. Over the course of 2018, the cities and communities will receive monthly packages with all the relevant information via email. They can then adhere to the tips during the year ahead.
South Pole will support myblueplanet's initiative by calculating how many tons of CO2 will be saved if a certain number of people adheres to these climate tips. South Pole is pleased to share the climate tips with a wide audience. As an effective way to guarantee a widespread uptake and reach of the campaign, South Pole will also ensure that all holders of Climate Credit Cards will be privy to each of the climate tips by sending the information packages on a monthly basis to the card issuer Cornèr Bank.
“It is inspiring to think that entire Swiss communities will work together to reduce their carbon footprint, and we support myBluePlanet's efforts in incentivizing such widespread climate action across the country," says Renat Heuberger, CEO, South Pole. "Taking responsibility for one's own greenhouse gas emissions is similar to the contributions we make to ensure that our garbage is properly disposed of. We believe it is important to reduce these emissions wherever possible, and to offset unavoidable ones. This approach is captured in the Climate Credit Card, which not only offsets purchases but encourages you to pursue a more sustainable way of life."
"South Pole's calculation of CO2 savings guarantees measurable results - an important foundation for the campaign. We appreciate the professionalism of South Pole and are thrilled to benefit from the company's know-how," says Daniel Lüscher, President, myblueplanet.
The campaign was launched on the 29th of November in Oberwinterthur. As part of the event, a train was decorated with the campaign logo and raise country-wide awareness for climate protection.
