Mr. Chair,
We probably all agree on the fundamental and strategic importance of the energy
sector in the wider context of sustainability; if we could alter our approach to the
production and use of energy, we could probably trigger a chain -action global
change in our production and consumption patterns and formidably accelerate the
implementation of a sustainable path of development ? would it be in the industria lized
or the developing countries.
For this reason, the reform of the energy sector is to play a central role in the wider
implementation of our Swiss National Sustainable Development Strategy 2002-2006.
Our government essentially works towards two interrelated objectives:
Firstly it aims at achieving a revenue-neutral shift from labour-taxation to energy -
taxation. We recognize, however, that this issue is very complex and sensitive and
therefore requires the furthering of an inclusive dialogue amongst all national stakeholders.
Secondly it attempts in an integrated manner to boost energy efficiency ? in particular
to reduce the CO2 emissions ? and to increase the proportion of renewable forms
of energy in our overall energy consumption. One of the approaches selected is to
encourage the transfer of freight from the road to the rail, using amongst other incentives
a fee on heavy vehicles. Furthermore, voluntary measures were taken by
some industry sectors which succeeded in harvesting positive results, e.g. in the cement
industry. However, overall results cannot be considered as sufficient and the
Swiss government is currently considering the introduction of compulsory measures.
Improvements in the production, distribution and use of energy are closely linked to
poverty reduction and the provision of essential services ? but are also linked to undesirable
effects on the environment in an unfortunate vicious circle . What is thus
needed are strengthened efforts to increase energy efficiency at all le vels on the one
hand, and substantial energy savings on the other hand by changing our consumption
and production patterns. And very importantly, we also need cleaner energy not
only in industrialized countries, but also in developing countries. Finally, it goes without
saying that we also need energy sources from a safe production. Switzerland
indeed, entirely agrees with the notion of improving access to reliable, a ffordable,
economically viable, socially acceptable and environmentally sound energy services.
These diffe rent challenges and needs are most often strongly interrelated. Looking
at it from a positive point of view one can agree that this constellation conceals a
high potential for win-win solutions at various levels. As an example, gains produced
through energy efficiency have positive impacts in different domains: Companies
can produce at lower costs which means also higher profitability for them - and consumers
should profit from lower prices. Higher energy efficiency ? at the condition
that energy gains are not written off by increased energy consumption - exposes our
natural environment to less damaging emissions. An additional gain resulting of improved
energy efficiency is the decrease of negative health impacts. F inally the a tmosphere
will be less burdened and therefore the anthropogenic impact on the climate
change with all its negative consequences could be mitigated.
As the excellent reports produced for this CSD session clearly show, political commitment
is key to master these many challenges. This is best demonstrated by successful
experiences such as the ?Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone
Layer? or the recently launched initiative of Sub-Saharan countries to elim inate lead
from gasoline.
Mr. Chair, Switzerland is strongly committed to cooperate with all partners during
this two-years cycle to identify and implement innovative, effective and successful
solutions for energy for sustainable development.
