This chapter provides an overview of Switzerland’s main achievements and remaining challenges on the path towards green growth and sustainable development. Drawing on indicators from national and international sources, it compares the state of the environment and key environmental trends with those of other OECD countries, focusing on the period since 2000.

This chapter assesses progress in environmental governance and management since the last OECD Environmental Performance Review. It provides an overview of the institutional framework for environmental management, touching upon horizontal and vertical co-ordination mechanisms. It discusses the regulatory framework, including key developments in specific areas such as air quality and waste management, and examines the Swiss approach to environmental permitting, compliance and enforcement. Finally, it discusses environmental democracy, from public participation to access to justice and information.

Switzerland’s economy is performing well and recovered strongly from the 2007-09 financial crisis. The country has a Green Economy Action Plan and has made progress in greening the economy, as illustrated by its above-average performance on a number of green-growth-related indicators. There are, however, opportunities to do more. This chapter reviews Switzerland’s greening efforts and achievements in the areas of taxation and subsidies, public and private investment, innovation, international development and trade.