30 April 2012: Switzerland released its “Sustainable Development Report 2012” in the lead up to the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD or Rio+20). The report examines sustainable development in Switzerland since the 1992 Rio Earth Summit.

The report highlights that, despite the current high standard of living this level cannot be maintained while preserving resource stocks for future generations. It notes unequal distribution of resources and underscores that the total material requirement has increased by 20% since 1992.

In positive news, the material requirement per unit of GDP has declined by 1992 due to better industrial processes and recycling. The report provides an assessment of factors contributing to the evolution of sustainable development in Switzerland over the last 20 years, including: living conditions; health; social cohesion; international cooperation; education and culture; research and technology; work; economic system; production and consumption; mobility and transport; energy and climate; and natural resources. The report also considers how to measure sustainable development and how to communicate the concept.

The report identifies as factors contributing to unsustainability: dependence on foreign countries and hidden resource flows for material consumption; increased waste; dependence on imported non-renewable energy; reduced biodiversity; and failure to reach goals in terms of green house gas emissions reductions. On the positive side, the report highlights: increasing renewable energy shares; decreasing material intensity; and water quality improvements. [Publication: Sustainable Development Report 2012] [Swiss Federal Statistical Office Press Release]