Broadening the scenario space for Swiss CCUS: integrating deep uncertainty, sufficiency, and societal transformation

Switzerland's net-zero strategy is evolving from a predominantly efficiency-and technology-driven framework into a more nuanced suite of scenarios. Yet, its core assumptions-reliance on coordinated policy, linear trajectories, and technological optimism-remain largely unchallenged. Here we propose broadening the scenario space to include alternative pathways grounded in human needs, wellbeing, and participatory governance, as well as a range of technology futures. Drawing on a comparative analysis of main Swiss scenarios (EP2050+, Long-term Climate Strategy, DeCIRRA), the main IPCC and IEA scenarios relevant to country-level policy, and a new set of divergent narrative scenarios, we identify key blind spots, including limited attention to sufficiency, equity, social fragmentation, and deep uncertainty. Building upon the existing analytical basis and extending it by integrating plural perspectives, of societal transformation, political diversity, and deliberative democratic governance, we aim to enrich the current foundations of Swiss climate policy, and enable a more resilient response to future disruptions on the path to net zero.