Top Posts
Report: Nigeria, others may lose $300 billion, 49m...
Pope Leo hits out at climate change critics
Nigeria insurers prepare to global delegates on climate...
Energy Dept. asks employees not to use words...
Protesters seek $5tr payment from fossil fuel companies
Borno govt, NGOs demand funding on climate change...
Lagos rolls two-year flood plan to integrate lakes,...
UN official says climate change displaces up to...
UN ends high-level week with calls for peace,...
Ahead of COP30 conference, new national climate plans...
EcoNai Newsroom
  • Newsround
  • Nigeria
  • Africa
  • World
World

Swiss climate activists protest election of oil lobbyist

by Segun Ogunlade December 8, 2022
written by Segun Ogunlade December 8, 2022
515

Environmentalists in Switzerland have called the election of a top car and oil industry lobbyist to the country’s new government a “disaster for climate policy.”

Albert Roesti of the nationalist Swiss People’s Party was picked by lawmakers as one of two new members of the Cabinet, or Federal Council following the retirement of two long-serving members in the seven-seat government, which traditionally includes politicians from all the country’s major parties.

Until recently, Roesti was president of Switzerland’s fuel importers’ association, Swissoil and remains president of Auto Schweiz, the country’s car importers’ association. As part of his lobbying work, Roesti successfully campaigned against a bill designed to reduce the Alpine nation’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Read also: Group plants 2,000 trees in A’Ibom schools to combat climate change

“In the middle of the climate crisis, the Swiss Parliament has elected the top car and oil lobbyist to the Federal Council. This is a disaster not just for Switzerland, but our entire generation,” an environmental group, Climate Strike said in a statement.

The group then called on other members of the government not to let Roesti head the Ministry for Environment, Energy and Transport. The post became vacant with the retirement of Simonetta Sommaruga, one of two departing ministers.

Roesti didn’t immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. But in a news conference following his election, he said he planned to step down from all of his lobbying positions by the end of the year.

Also elected to the council Wednesday was Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, a member of the left-leaning Social Democrats.

Story was adapted from AP.

Climate activistsElectionOil lobbyistProtest
0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
admineconai

previous post
Group plants 2,000 trees in A’Ibom schools to combat climate change
next post
Africa forum says circular economy good for climate

Related Posts

Pope Leo hits out at climate change critics

October 3, 2025

Protesters seek $5tr payment from fossil fuel companies

October 1, 2025

UN official says climate change displaces up to...

September 30, 2025

UN ends high-level week with calls for peace,...

September 30, 2025

China announces plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions...

September 25, 2025

China locks down as Super Typhoon Ragasa nears...

September 24, 2025

Trump says climate change ‘greatest con Job in...

September 24, 2025

PERILS sets final industry loss estimate for 2024...

September 22, 2025

Guterres says 1.5C climate warming goal could fail

September 22, 2025

Australia sets 62-70% GHG emission reduction target by...

September 22, 2025

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Newsletter

Subscribe my Newsletter for new blog posts, tips & new photos. Let's stay updated!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Bloglovin
  • Vimeo

@2021 - All Right Reserved. Designed and Developed by Eco-Nai+

EcoNai Newsroom
  • Newsround
  • Nigeria
  • Africa
  • World