> German version

 

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 results and outline solution-oriented perspectives for the future with all interested stakeholders.

 

We warmly invite you to the SPEED2ZERO Final Event on Friday, 23 January 2026 in Bern. During this event, we will present and discuss key findings from three years of interdisciplinary research on climate, energy, biodiversity, and related societal and political questions.

 

Morning – Societal Context and Key Insights

To open the event, Priska Wismer-Felder (National Council, Die Mitte) and Thomas Vellacott (CEO WWF Switzerland) will provide insights into the socio-political context. This will be followed by presentations of core findings on climate, energy, and biodiversity by SPEED2ZERO researchers. This section is aimed at a broad audience. 

 

Afternoon – In-Depth Discussion and Exchange with Researchers

The afternoon will focus on interactive exchanges with researchers. Together, we will discuss key interdisciplinary insights and explore their relevance for policy, business, and society. This part of the event is 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 will be held in German, French, and English, with simultaneous translation for all presentations.

    

Registration:

Registration is required, and places are limited.

Participation is free of charge and on-site only. Please note that the event will be photographed and filmed for documentation purposes.

Please register here

Program

Morning

  

from 08.30
Registration and Welcome Coffee for all participants

 

09.00 – 09.50
Media Briefing (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

  • The role of biodiversity in climate regulation
  • Impacts of climate change and extreme weather events on the energy system
  • Identification of low-conflict areas for solar and wind power plants
  • Pathways to net-zero in Switzerland: Energy transition, security of supply, and biodiversity protection
  • Public acceptance and political frameworks

 

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