Swiss Cities Need National Climate Adaptation Plan, Says Urban Association President

As Switzerland concludes another heatwave, with 2026 already surpassing records set in 2003, calls are mounting for proactive measures against future extreme temperatures. Hanspeter Hilfiker, president of the Swiss Urban Association and mayor of Aarau, is demanding a national strategy to help Swiss cities adapt to climate change.

Hilfiker emphasized that while Swiss cities have implemented measures like soil de-sealing and street greening, these efforts are insufficient on their own. "We must also face the reality: our cities were built for a different climate," he stated. He stressed that adapting to climate change is a lengthy and expensive process that municipalities cannot manage independently.

Therefore, Hilfiker is advocating for national-level financial support to ensure the necessary adaptations can be implemented. He highlighted the significant urban population in Switzerland, noting that approximately 75% of residents live in cities. This underscores the broad impact of climate change on the country's populace and the need for coordinated, well-funded adaptation strategies.

“

But we must also face the reality: our cities were built for a different climate. The adaptation to climate change is a long and costly process. Cities cannot cope with it alone.