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Swiss central bank draws criticism over carbon-linked investments

The Swiss National Bank has drawn criticism from environmental groups after the main bank's sustainability report on Tuesday showed its financial investments were connected to 12 million metric lots of carbon emissions last year.

The report was the very first time the SNB published a figure for the environmental effect of the business in which it holds shares.

The stakes, consisting of in oil majors Chevron Corp and Exxon Mobil, belong to the bank's foreign currency reserves, which stood at 655 billion Swiss francs ($ 738.28. billion) at the end of 2023.

In 2015 was the planet's hottest year on record and. temperatures remained high at the start of this year.

In Switzerland, the impact was felt as glaciers pulled back. and lots of ski resorts have been left without snow after a mild. winter.

The figure of 12 million tons of CO2 equivalents is. shocking and far too expensive, stated Asti Roesle of the Environment. Alliance Switzerland, which represents over 140 non-governmental. groups.

The real scale of the emissions might be three or 4 times. greater once indirect emissions were consisted of, she estimated.

The SNB is among the 10 greatest investors worldwide, so. it can make a difference, Roesle stated.

Peter Haberstich, a sustainable finance professional at Greenpeace. Switzerland, prompted the SNB to motivate companies it has. invested in to lower their ecological impact.

Where that is not possible, the SNB needs to divest, he said.

In its report the SNB stated it was reducing its own CO2. emissions, and intended to reach net no by 2050 at the latest.

It stated it would not change its financial investment policy, and. was not authorised to pursue financial, social or political objectives. with its financial investments.

This also uses to pursuing a plan to minimize the. greenhouse gas emissions associated with its investments, the SNB. said.

Pursuing goals aside from that of ensuring cost. stability ... could cause disputes of interest, consequently. making it more difficult for the SNB to fulfil its mandate..

(source: Reuters)