Political positions of CIPRA

Nature — Nov 04, 2009

cc.alps: CIPRA Demands on Nature Protection

When climate changes, nature feels it. Mountain areas are particularly sensitive, and the greatest losses in terms of plant and animal species may occur precisely there. According to scientific estimates, almost every second plant species in the Alps is threatened with extinc-tion by 2100. For the flora with the highest number of varieties in Central Europe this would be an enormous loss. Because of global warming, also well-known animal species such as the Alpine ibex, the snow grouse and the mountain hare will experience far worse living con-ditions in the Alps.

Energy — Nov 04, 2009

cc.alps: CIPRA Demands on Energy

In order to limit global warming, first of all it is important that we use energy more efficiently. Yet this will not be enough for operating in a way that climate can sustain. We must radically change our energy consumption and our consumption of energy-intensive goods and services. Experience shows that consumption only goes down when clear political signals are sent - which include legislative initiatives, rewarding energy saving and punishing waste. The switch from fossil to renewable energies must be forced - but not to the detriment of nature. Biomass production, the installation of wind power turbines and new hydroelectric power stations in the Alps hide many potential conflicts. The environmental, social and economic consequences of climate projects must be carefully assessed and compared.

Climate — Apr 03, 2009

Resolution of Bolzano

"During this conference CIPRA expressed its strong expectations with regard to the outcome of the 15th Conference of the Contracting Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, to be held in Copenhagen in December 2009. Further more, CIPRA calls upon the governments of the Alpine countries and upon those of the main industrialised countries, to show extraordinary commitment to achieve a distinct acceleration in climate change prevention policies at the global meeting in Copenhagen, in the light of new evidence and the confirmation of the seriousness of the phenomenon."

News on Alpine Politics

Swiss Chairmanship of the Alpine Convention

Alpine Politics — Mar 16, 2021

alpMedia

Swiss Chairmanship of the Alpine Convention

Switzerland has chaired the Alpine Convention since the end of 2020. One of the main topics for the next two years will be climate protection.

Alpine Politics — Sep 02, 2020

alpMedia

Freight transport belongs on the rails

EU transport ministers want to reach an agreement on the new Eurovignette Directive for transit traffic by the end of September 2020. CIPRA International and the "iMonitraf!" network are therefore calling for rapid agreement to ease the burden on humans and nature.

Location policy at the expense of the environment

Alpine Politics — Sep 01, 2020

alpMedia

Location policy at the expense of the environment

Slovenia’s government wants to restrict the right of civil society to have a say in controversial construction projects. Other Alpine countries are also pursuing location policies at the expense of the environment.

Point of view: Water needs no borders – do we?

Alpine Politics — Mar 11, 2020

alpMedia

Point of view: Water needs no borders – do we?

So far, sufficient water is available in the Alpine regions. If there is to be enough for everyone in the future, despite climate change, water must be treated as a common Alpine resource across national borders, says Marion Ebster, Project Manager at CIPRA International.

Point of view of CIPRA

Point of view: Let’s plan the energy transition and restoration together!

Alpine Politics — Feb 05, 2025

Paul Kuncio, CIPRA Austria

Point of view: Let’s plan the energy transition and restoration together!

Alpine spatial planning can help to resolve the contradictions between restoration and the expansion of renewable energy. This requires joint efforts involving the interests of the population and environmental organisations, says Paul Kuncio, Executive Director of CIPRA Austria.

Point of view: Let’s prioritise youth over tourism

Alpine Politics — Oct 09, 2024

Dijana Čataković

Point of view: Let’s prioritise youth over tourism

We want young people to stay on the land, but the demands of tourism, high property prices and the landscape as an object of speculation make this difficult. We talk about the fight against the climate and biodiversity crisis, all while shopping centres and business parks are being built in the countryside. Environmental protection and solutions to the housing crisis should be prioritised, as this would also be in the interests of young people, says Dijana Čataković from CIPRA Slovenia. She asks: Who else will be able to live in the Alps and afford to live there?

Point of view: European elections 2024: why a Swiss citizen would also like to vote

Alpine Politics — Apr 24, 2024

Kaspar Schuler, CIPRA International

Point of view: European elections 2024: why a Swiss citizen would also like to vote

Switzerland’s referendum-based democracy has pitfalls of its own when it comes to environmental and climate policy. There needs to be an overarching corrective, such as neighbouring countries have in their constitutional courts and through the legal institutions of the EU, says Kaspar Schuler – as a Swiss citizen and Executive Director of CIPRA International.