Several thousand people marched in Geneva and Lausanne to protest perceived Swiss government inaction on climate change, joining a coalition of more than 100 groups under the slogan No 50‑Degree Summers!. The largest rally in Lausanne drew organisers' estimates of at least 8,000 participants. Protesters cited recent heatwaves, water shortages, threats to agriculture and a 2024 European Court of Human Rights ruling that Switzerland is not doing enough as reasons for renewed mobilisation. Organisers plan more demonstrations across Swiss cities through October 2.
Thousands Rally in Switzerland Under “No 50‑Degree Summers!” Slogan to Demand Climate Action
The European Court of Human Rights ruled in 2024 that Switzerland was not doing enough to fight climate change (Fabrice COFFRINI)
Several thousand people marched through the Swiss cities of Geneva and Lausanne on Saturday to demand stronger government action on climate change. The demonstrations were organised by a coalition of more than 100 associations and political parties under the banner No 50‑Degree Summers!.
The larger rally in Lausanne drew organisers' estimates of at least 8,000 participants. People of all ages carried placards with messages such as No Planet B and We're Cooked! as they called attention to recent heatwaves, water shortages and risks to agriculture.
Guillaume Matthey, a 31‑year‑old union activist, said he hoped the protests would mark the start of "a new cycle of widespread popular mobilisation" to pressure political and financial leaders to act more decisively on the climate emergency.
In 2024 the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Switzerland was not doing enough to combat climate change — the first time an international court has found against a country on this issue. Protesters said the ruling underscored the need for urgent policy change.
"This is about telling our authorities that it's really the time to act,"
said Yves Froidevaux, a marcher in his 60s. He added: "We can't just finance weapons and then not care about the rest of it — that's not on."
Participants highlighted concrete impacts from the unusually hot summer. Vincent Fontannaz, 47, who came dressed as a giant drop of water, warned: "There's been a real lack of water this summer. It's not just about swimming pools — it's most of all about agriculture and, in fact, our survival."
Fifty‑five‑year‑old architect Laurent Guidetti wore a makeshift gas mask made from plastic bottles and said he was fortunate to live in a well‑insulated apartment that "stays cool at night." He expressed concern for people who do not have that advantage: "It's going to be very tough for them," he said, adding that rising future temperatures remain a major worry.
Organisers have called further demonstrations in several Swiss cities in the coming weeks, with planned events running through October 2. Switzerland's heatwaves this summer forced the temporary closure of a nuclear power station and contributed to record low water levels in Lake Zurich.
Reporting contributions: AFP
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