Record heat and drought: Switzerland between environmental risks and emerging solutions

Post on: 08.07.2025

Fish, rivers and forests under pressure

Rising temperatures and falling rainfall are driving up water temperatures: in places such as the Aare (Bern-Schönau) there were over 20°C at the beginning of July, a record value never reached so early. Outcome? Aquatic ecosystems put to the test, with significant repercussions on the entire life cycle.

Impact on rivers, agriculture and safety

The Bodensee records declines in fish yields of up to 80%.

Forests, although not yet on red alert, they already have dry soil conducive to fires.

Farmers and authorities are monitoring river levels, which are necessitating extraordinary irrigation measures.

The institutional framework

The Federal Council, based on the recommendations of the BAFU Department, it is updating a package of environmental regulations: abandonment of fossil fuels, bird protection, waste management and flood mitigation; effective from 1 August.

The 56th Climate Forum (Bern, 5 June) had already warned: "Environmental risks await us now more than ever"

Tools and solutions

The recommendations are clear:

• relaunch of regulated irrigation infrastructures;
• adoption of fire alert systems on a digital scale;
• strategic reforestation in vulnerable areas;
• promotion of social networks and shared ecological indicators.;

This approach combines mitigation, adaptation, and community.