Summary
The canton of Wallis is adopting a comprehensive climate strategy to prepare for the consequences of climate change. Alpine regions like Wallis are particularly affected by heat waves, rockfalls, and flooding. The new strategy includes measures in areas such as mobility, water management, agriculture, and construction planning. A newly created climate cartography shows dangerous heat zones with predicted temperatures up to 45 degrees in urban areas within ten years.
People
- Susanna Kammacher (Reformed Protestant pastor in Gramontana)
Topics
- Climate change and adaptation strategies
- Natural hazard monitoring
- Sustainable urban development
- Psychosocial support after disasters
Clarus Lead
The canton of Wallis has today launched a climate strategy to protect itself against growing climate change risks. Relevant for decision-makers: Alpine regions are already experiencing measurable extreme weather events – the new climate cartography predicts urban zones with up to 45 degrees perceived temperature within ten years. Concrete measures range from soil de-sealing and greening to expanding public transport to financing charging stations for electric buses.
Detailed Summary
The Walliser government has adopted a cantonal climate strategy that covers several action areas. Alpine regions in particular are vulnerable to heat waves, rockfalls, and flooding – phenomena that are intensifying due to climate change. The strategy addresses these risks through concrete interventions in mobility, water management, agriculture, and construction planning.
A central instrument is the newly created climate cartography of Wallis. It visualizes temperature zones and shows that urban areas must expect perceived temperatures between 43 and 45 degrees within ten years – a heat stress scenario with significant health consequences. To reduce risks, the canton wants to further reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to meet federal climate targets. Enhanced monitoring of natural hazards complements the preventive approach.
In parallel, the canton is committed to psychosocial support: following the fire disaster in Gramontana, the state coordinates legal and strategic measures. Reformed Protestant pastor Susanna Kammacher reports sustained high demand for dialogue among those affected – a sign of ongoing emotional strain in the region.
Key Points
- Wallis launches first cantonal climate strategy with focus on adaptation and emissions reduction
- Climate cartography predicts urban-alpine heat zones (43–45°C) within ten years
- Measures include infrastructure (public transport expansion, electric bus charging stations), spatial planning, and natural hazard monitoring
- Psychosocial coping after Gramontana disaster requires intensive pastoral care capacity
Additional News
- Valiant Bank cuts 80 jobs: Bern Cantonal Bank saves 15 million francs through natural turnover without layoffs; 155 million francs annual profit (+3%), CEO Ewald Burgener moves to board of directors.
- SBB modernizes Breu line: Signal switches, railway crossings, and five railway stations are being rebuilt and made accessible to people with disabilities; replacement bus service for the next 2.5 weeks.
- Fraud gangs pose as tradespeople: In the Emmital, Mittelland, and Oberargau regions, thefts by individuals posing as administrative or tradespeople employees are increasing; at least four cases involving money and jewelry theft.
Critical Questions
Data quality of climate cartography: What model assumptions and time horizons are the 45-degree scenario projections based on? Are different emissions scenarios (RCP 4.5 vs. 8.5) taken into account, or is this a worst-case scenario?
Implementation capacity and resources: The canton names measures in five action areas – how are these prioritized, and what budget resources are concretely available? Have cost estimates or funding gaps been identified?
Conflicts of interest in the construction sector: How is it ensured that construction planning is designed sustainably when construction developers and property owners have economic incentives to prefer dense and sealed surfaces?
Monitoring effectiveness: What does "enhanced monitoring" specifically mean – new sensor networks, real-time warning systems, or just data collection? Are there delays between hazard detection and evacuation measures?
Pastoral care and long-term support: The pastor reports high demand for dialogue weeks after the disaster – how is the canton structurally equipped for multi-year psychosocial support? Are volunteers and non-professionals sufficient?
Causality: Climate change vs. singular events: The strategy links heat, rockfalls, and flooding to climate change. Are all three categories empirically validated, or are singular catastrophes (such as the Gramontana fire) being incorrectly interpreted as climate-caused?
Source Directory
Primary Source: Regionaljournal Bern–Freiburg–Wallis (SRF) – 05.02.2026, Noon https://download-media.srf.ch/world/audio/Regionaljournal_Bern_Freiburg_Wallis_radio/2026/02/Regionaljournal_Bern_Freiburg_Wallis_radio_AUDI20260205_NR_0105_7fff733fa1f64a6c94c2c182ec1c3e5f.mp3
Verification Status: ✓ 05.02.2026
This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: 05.02.2026