Swiss farmers take their government to court over climate change

04 February 2025

Farmers are increasingly concerned about climate change. In Switzerland, a group of farmers has filed a lawsuit against the government for failing to take effective measures to protect them from its effects.

This might seem surprising, as farmers have recently been seen demonstrating against climate and sustainability policies. However, this lawsuit follows a growing trend where individuals are increasingly taking governments to court for negligence over climate change. Farmers are realising that they will be severely affected by changing climates and that a fast and just transition in agriculture is essential.

Agriculture is heavily impacted by rising temperatures, extreme weather, and changing pest patterns, leading to yield losses and higher costs. Drought, heat, storms, hail, and seasonal changes related to climate change have caused 10–40% losses in annual turnover over the past three years. Adapting to climate change adds burdens to these losses. Many farms will become less profitable and face higher risks, threatening their long-term prosperity.

As an article from Nature puts it, “the world cannot afford to leave farmers in climate limbo, just as farmers cannot afford to turn their backs on the changing climate.”