Biodiversity is rapidly declining on a global scale. Yet, our livelihoods and our economic prosperity depend on intact ecosystems. The loss of biological diversity requires action in all sectors – including in the financial industry.

What does transition finance mean to the Swiss (financial) economy and what are currently the main challenges faced in financing the transition to net zero by 2050? INFRAS examined this in a study conducted on behalf of the WWF. Based on this, the WWF has drawn up recommendations for Switzerland’s financial market, industry and politics.

The transport sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Switzerland. How can these emissions be reduced in a way that is as economically and socially acceptable as possible? There is still little information available on which to base an answer to this question, which is why it is currently the subject of research by a team from INFRAS and ETH Zurich, as part of the NRP 73 National Research Programme.

Financial markets play an important role on the journey to a low-carbon future. Luxembourg has positioned itself as a pioneer for sustainable investments with the Luxembourg Sovereign Sustainability Bond. On behalf of the Luxembourg government, INFRAS developed together with 4Climate and other partners the first impact report that measured both the CO₂ emissions that were saved as well as additional environmental benefits.

Developing climate compatible financial flows – this is one of the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. What is the contribution of the Swiss financial center? INFRAS summarized the current situation on behalf of the Swiss Advisory Body for Climate Research (OcCC).

INFRAS and Inrate analyzed 51 sustainability funds licensed in Switzerland and Luxembourg on behalf of Greenpeace. The result: the examined monetary investments are to date hardly able to steer significantly more capital towards a sustainable economy than conventional funds.

How does global climate change affect enterprises in the Canton of Zurich? INFRAS completed a multi-stakeholder dialog on the opportunities and risks stemming from global climate change on international trade in Zurich within the pilot program “Adaptation to climate change” from the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN).

In addition to the national effects of climate change, the international impacts of climate change are in particular an increasing risk factor for the German economy. A research project commissioned by the German Federal Environment Agency that lasted several years analyzed which impact chains affected international trade. The study makes clear: both governmental and private stakeholders will be increasingly challenged.

To date, only a small number of Switzerland's largest pension funds have adopted a fully sustainability-based approach to investment. Many pension institutions have nonetheless made progress on this front in recent years.