Environmental problems should not be addressed through traditional political channels such as party politics or referendums. This is because concern alone is no longer enough to generate political momentum. Even those directly affected do not automatically advocate for comprehensive protective measures. Furthermore, opponents of environmental policy are often well-organized actors. Environmental issues should therefore be separated from party politics once again. While there used to be environmental policy initiatives from the right-wing and liberal camps, increasing polarization has changed that.

Instead, institutionalized platforms for cooperation between the cantons and the federal government could help tackle the challenge collectively and facilitate the exchange of best practices. The canton of Basel-Stadt, for example, successfully collaborates with French and German authorities on Rhine protection—and comparable models could also be envisaged at the intercantonal level.

Link to the Tages Anzeiger article