Swiss parties propose cooling networks, air conditioning and heat breaks

Switzerland’s major parties are calling for different responses to the country’s hot and dry summer, from cooling networks and water storage to easier air-conditioning installations and mandatory breaks during the hottest working hours, SRF reported.

SRF asked the parties four questions about the current heatwave, short- and long-term measures, and planned parliamentary proposals.

Green Liberals call for water storage strategy

The Green Liberal Party described the summer as a major problem, saying entire regions now resemble the dry savannah of Africa.

In the short term, the party proposes cooling networks and intelligent systems to prevent buildings from overheating, including ventilation and effective shading. It also supports air-conditioning systems and heat pumps that store heat in the ground during summer and reuse it in winter.

In the long term, the party wants Switzerland to move to a fully renewable energy supply, cut carbon dioxide emissions, end the use of combustion engines and heat buildings with heat pumps. It also wants more funding to make forests more resilient to climate change.

The party plans to demand a national water storage strategy. In places where glaciers are disappearing, it wants discussions on building dams to retain water for dry periods. It is also calling for a national cooling strategy and faster action on electric mobility and heat pumps.

SVP wants air-conditioning rules eased

The Swiss People’s Party said this year’s weather was extremely hot and dry, creating difficult conditions for many farmers. It contrasted this with the summer of 2025, which included repeated rainy and cool days in June, July and August.

The party says the installation of air-conditioning systems should be made easier. It argues that enough electricity is available in summer to operate them because of state-supported solar installations.

For the longer term, the party supports technological openness and rejects additional charges and what it calls excessive restrictions on the population and economy. It backs measures to protect people from heat, including water reserves in the Alps, and a reliable, climate-neutral electricity supply such as nuclear power. It does not plan any specific parliamentary proposals on the issue.

Greens demand heat breaks at work

The Green Party said successive heatwaves were a direct consequence of the climate crisis. It warned that extreme heat threatens public health, weakens ecosystems, deepens social inequalities and endangers food security.

The party has already drawn up a heat plan with more than 30 measures. These include cooling cities through planting and creating shaded areas. Physically demanding work should be suspended during the hottest hours. Air conditioning could be used where necessary to protect vulnerable people, including children and older or sick people.

In the long term, the Greens want Switzerland to phase out fossil fuels and accelerate the energy transition. They also want more energy-efficient building renovations.

The party says it regularly submits proposals on shading, heat action plans and tenancy law. It also plans to revive its measures against water shortages and is calling for a national water strategy.

FDP prioritises air conditioning

The FDP said extreme weather events were becoming more frequent and intense, calling this summer evidence of that trend.

It said installing air-conditioning systems to protect the population should be the top priority, particularly in retirement and care homes and hospitals. The party also pointed to the expansion of solar energy as a source of summer electricity.