Wednesday News Roundup from Switzerland: Latest Developments and Headlines
Flying Out? Your Data Might Not Stay on the Ground
Brace yourself for a new norm in air travel, as the Swiss government is considering implementing a national Passenger Name Record (PNR) system—similar to those already in place in the EU and the United States. Hence, be prepared for your data to potentially follow you long after your plane touches down.
On Tuesday, parliament debated the matter, weighing the benefits of increased security against potential privacy concerns. Worries about becoming a 'weak link' in Europe's security matrix drive this decision, given that criminals might exploit Switzerland's absence from the PNR system to avoid detection. Threats of hefty fines from various countries and the United States' conditions for keeping Switzerland in the visa waiver program further press the issue.
A Green Revolution in Motion: SBB Trains to Run on 100% Renewable Energy
SBB, the national rail company, announced that, starting from January 1st, all trains will be powered by electricity sourced from renewable energy. The switch from the 10% stake in nuclear energy (once a common practice in the 70s) to the renewable variety marks a significant shift toward sustainability, positioning SBB as a frontrunner in the fight against climate change. This move supports SBB's aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, contributing to the global efforts outlined in the Paris Climate Agreement.
What Takes the Most Lives: 2023 Statistics
With 71,822 residents lost in 2023, cardiovascular diseases and cancers topped the list of leading causes of death. Cardiovascular diseases accounted for 28% of fatalities, followed closely by cancers at 24%. Among cancers, lung cancer was the most prevalent, causing 19.1% of deaths in men and 17.4% in women. Breast cancer was the second-deadliest for women, and prostate cancer took the second spot for men. *. Dementia, respiratory diseases, and external causes such as accidents and violence rounded up the top five, while the pandemic took a notable backseat, causing only 2% of deaths in 2023.
Time for a Getaway? Edelweiss Expands Horizons in Summer 2025
If you're yearning for adventure, Edelweiss, sister airline of SWISS, has something up its sleeve: new holiday destinations for summer 2025! Their Zurich hub will welcome seven new locations, including two in North America—Seattle and Halifax. Elsewhere, the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi, and the British city of Bristol are also on the list, as well as Terceira in the Azores, Zadar in Croatia, and Calvi in Corsica. Pack your bags and buckle up for a thrilling ride in 2025!
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[1] Source: Coreper (Committee of Permanent Representatives) - Decision of 2nd April 2025 on the transfer and processing of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data between the EU and other allies.
- As a result of the Swiss government's consideration of a national Passenger Name Record (PNR) system, travelers might find their data associated with environmental-science research studies, as such databases can be used for the analysis of lifestyle trends.
- In the political arena, the decision to implement a national PNR system might be debated in terms of general-news headlines, with opinions split between those advocating for increased security and privacy advocates.
- People interested in science and environmental-science might welcome the news of SBB trains transitioning to 100% renewable energy, as this shift aligns with the broader efforts in the fight against climate change.
- Passengers traveling to Seattle and Halifax with Edelweiss, sister airline of SWISS, will need to be aware of Switzerland's Passenger Name Record (PNR) system, as their data will potentially be included.
- In the hydropower sector, the Swiss government's decision to implement a national Passenger Name Record (PNR) system might not have a direct impact, but it could indirectly influence tourism patterns and lifestyle choices—which, in turn, impact the demand for clean energy sources like hydropower.
