Switzerland climate alliance calls for nationwide protests

An alliance of over 130 organizations, including labor unions and scientific groups, has called for peaceful climate protests across multiple Swiss cities on September 25, 2026. Operating under the motto ‘Keine 50-Grad-Sommer!’ (No 50-Degree Summers!), the coalition aims to demand greater climate justice and a fundamental transformation of the economic and social systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The movement highlights that Switzerland contributes disproportionately to the climate crisis through its financial sector, commodity trading, and multinational corporations. Protesters are calling for political and economic shifts to prevent extreme temperatures from reaching 50 degrees Celsius by 2050.

In addition to broader policy demands, the movement emphasizes the immediate impact of heat on workers. The Unia union reported that extreme heat poses significant health and safety risks, particularly in the construction sector. A survey of approximately 1,000 construction workers revealed that 85 percent were not permitted to take the regular cooling breaks recommended by Suva when temperatures exceed 33 degrees Celsius.