Martine Rebetez, the Swiss voice for the climate who never gives up in the face of challenges
CleantechAlps is celebrating 15 years of commitment to sustainable innovation and cleantech in in Western Switzerland. To mark this anniversary, the platform is launching the “15 Years – 15 Faces” initiative, highlighting inspiring individuals who actively contribute to the development of Switzerland’s cleantech ecosystem.. Among these prominent figures, Martine Rebetez—climatologist and professor at the University of Neuchâtel and the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL)—perfectly embodies the spirit of innovation and commitment that CleantechAlps promotes.
With several decades of research into climate change behind her, Martine Rebetez offers a clear-eyed view of the disruptions already observable in Switzerland. “There are already many—although they are only the beginning of what’s to come,” she explains. Among the most significant impacts, she cites shifting precipitation patterns, droughts and floods, extreme rainfall, debris flows and landslides, rising snowline altitudes, reduced snowfall and glacier retreat, as well as more frequent and intense heatwaves.
The crucial role of cleantech in the climate emergency
For Martine Rebetez, clean technologies are essential tools in the fight against climate change. “We must stop relying on oil, coal, and gas. Cleantech is indispensable if we are to succeed,” she states, while also emphasizing the need to reduce our consumption of material goods alongside innovation.
This balanced perspective—combining technological advancement with resource-consciousness—resonates deeply with CleantechAlps’ philosophy, which promotes sustainable solutions that unite economic performance with environmental responsibility.
The importance of cross-sector collaboration
Martine Rebetez stresses the importance of close collaboration between academia, innovative businesses, and public policy. “This collaboration is essential. I’ve long worked to inform all interested sectors about the results of our research,” she says.
Her approach to sharing scientific knowledge illustrates the importance of knowledge transfer between research and the economic world.
Faced with the defeatism that can hinder climate action, Martine Rebetez takes a resolutely committed stance. “The main obstacle to the energy transition is the misinformation financed and orchestrated by groups that have an interest in keeping us tied to fossil fuels. We must actively resist this system, which is unfortunately highly professional,” she warns.
Her strategy to counter this challenge rests largely on education and information—pillars she considers vital, even if not sufficient on their own, to mobilize society effectively.
A holistic vision for cleantech solutions
To those working and innovating in the cleantech sector, Martine Rebetez offers a message of support: “All actions that go in the right direction are needed and must be combined.” She especially encourages implementing projects that take into account the full scope of climate and environmental issues.
For Switzerland, which she wishes would adopt a more ambitious climate policy and break away from fossil fuel interests, Martine Rebetez leaves a message of hope: “There is still time to avoid the worst.” A statement that perfectly reflects her unwavering commitment to a more sustainable future.
Martine Rebetez’s favorite quote
"We do not inherit the Earth from our parents; we borrow it from our children."
– Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
A scientific authority on the climate crisis
Martine Rebetez is a Swiss climatologist, professor at the University of Neuchâtel and at the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL). A recognized expert in climate change, her research focuses on the effects of global warming on forest and agricultural ecosystems, heatwaves, declining snow cover, and extreme weather events in Switzerland. In 2022, she published Switzerland is Warming in the “Le Savoir Suisse” series by EPFL Press.
Her collaboration with the cleantech ecosystem perfectly illustrates the essential synergy between fundamental research and practical applications that CleantechAlps promotes. Thanks to her regular contributions to media and policy debates, Martine Rebetez is a widely respected scientific voice in Switzerland’s energy and environmental transition.
The 15-year anniversary concept
For the past 15 years, CleantechAlps has been committed to advancing its vision and connecting talents, stakeholders and solutions that drive the transition toward a more sustainable future in Western Switzerland. To mark this anniversary, we wish to highlight the individuals who bring our ecosystem to life every day — through their projects, their dedication and their vision.
“15 Years – 15 Faces” features fifteen personalities, fifteen journeys, fifteen voices that embody cleantech. From technology to policy, from research to industry, from local to international — these women and men are building, each in their own way, the cleantech solutions of today and tomorrow. Through their stories, we share with you the successes to which CleantechAlps has contributed — notably by serving as a facilitator of connections, dialogue, and collaboration. Discover their passion. Their inspiration. And their vision for a more sustainable future.
