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Achieving a climate-neutral Switzerland where biodiversity can thrive again requires a reliable and sustainable transformation. To support this change, we launched SPEED2ZERO, a joint initiative of the ETH Board, three years ago. Now we would like to share our achievements with all interested stakeholders and highlight solution-oriented perspectives for the future.

 

At the SPEED2ZERO Final Event on Friday, 23 January 2026 we presented and discussed the most important findings from three years of interdisciplinary research, and related societal and political questions:

  • Societal Context and Key Insights: To open the event, Priska Wismer-Felder (National Council, Die Mitte) and Thomas Vellacott (CEO WWF Switzerland) provided insights into the socio-political context. This was followed by presentations of core findings on climate, energy, and biodiversity by SPEED2ZERO researchers. This section was aimed at a broad audience.
  • In-Depth Discussion and Exchange with Researchers: The afternoon focussed on interactive exchanges with researchers. Together, we discussed key interdisciplinary insights and explored their relevance for policy, business, and society. This part of the event was particularly aimed at professionals and engaged individuals who want to actively contribute to the transformation towards a climate-neutral Switzerland.

 

Location: 
Eventforum Bern, Fabrikstrasse 12, 3012 Bern

 

Languages:

The event was held in German, French, and English, with simultaneous translation for all presentations.

 

Event materials: 

The presentations and posters are available here:

Presentation: Intro & Keynotes
Presentation: Selected Findings
Poster session

Program

Morning

  

from 09.00
Registration and Welcome Coffee for all participants

 

09.00 – 09.50
Media talks (by personal invitation)

 

10.00 – 10.10
Welcome by Reto Knutti

 

10.10 – 11.10
Keynote presentations on the socio-political context of Net Zero (incl. Q&A)

  • Priska Wismer-Felder, National Council (Die Mitte), Member of the Environment, Spatial Planning and Energy Committees (ESPEC)
  • Thomas Vellacott, CEO WWF Switzerland

 

11.15 – 12.30
Short presentations: Selected findings from SPEED2ZERO (incl. Q&A)

  • The role of biodiversity in climate regulation (Dirk Karger)
  • Pathways to net-zero in Switzerland: Energy transition, security of supply, and biodiversity protection (Jara Späte & Jonas Savelsberg)
  • Identification of low-conflict areas for solar and wind power plants (Petra Sieber)
  • Impacts of climate change and extreme weather events on the energy system (Luna Bloin-Wibe & Yasser Haddad)
  • Public acceptance and political frameworks (Alessio Levis & Lukas Fesenfeld)

 

12.30 – 12.45
Closing remarks and outlook by Reto Knutti

 

12.45 – 14.00
Lunch break

 

 

Afternoon

 

14.15 – 14.30
Introduction by Cyril Brunner

 

14.30 – 16.00
Interactive exchange with researchers

 

16.00 – 16.15
Closing remarks and outlook by Cyril Brunner

 

from 16.15
Apéro

© 2025 SPEED2ZERO Joint Initiative