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The Swiss policy lab is a collaboration between ETH Zürich, SLF/WSL (CERC) and SCNAT/ProClim. It is researching land use changes at high altitudes across the Swiss Alps, in particular the impacts of renewable energy expansion and forest/shrub encroachment due to land abandonment.
The expansion of renewable energy production across the Swiss Alps has fuelled a fierce debate in Switzerland about the extent to which solar farms in the Alps should be used to help fill the winter electricity gap.
Other land use changes impacting the Swiss Alps include land abandonment, especially at high altitudes, where forest and shrub encroachment of species such as green alder impacts the landscape and biodiversity. Another land use change is being caused by the melting of glaciers; land previously under ice is being uncovered.
The challenge faced by the Swiss Policy Lab is balancing the trade-offs between protecting biodiversity, generating renewable energy and preserving the beauty of the landscape.
There are also opportunities for land-sharing or mutually beneficial actions. For example, by combining solar energy systems with restoration opportunities, there could be increases in energy production, biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Further opportunities and challenges are arising in deglaciating areas.
The Swiss Policy Lab is bringing together energy companies, environmental NGOs, municipalities, farmers, public sector organisations, researchers and other stakeholders. These stakeholders will aim to develop policy options that incentivise land sharing, prevent unregulated use of deglaciated areas and balance different interests and priorities.