Environmental Sustainability
#1Key Findings
Sweden is the SGI 2024’s top performer (rank 1) in the category of environmental sustainability.
Ambitious emissions targets include a reduction of 70% within the domestic transport sector by 2030, and a net-zero emissions status by 2045. However, the current government has relaxed regulations, jeopardizing the ability to reach these targets. Under a controversial 2023 climate action plan, emissions are expected to increase in the short term.
The government has reduced taxes on gas and diesel, and rolled back emissions targets for the short and medium term. A broad range of other environmental targets address areas such as clean water and air. Some are close to being reached, but groundwater quality and overfertilization remain persistent issues.
A broad range of biodiversity and ecosystem-protection plans are in place. Environmental protection and climate issues are a key aspect of the country’s international aid programs.
Ambitious emissions targets include a reduction of 70% within the domestic transport sector by 2030, and a net-zero emissions status by 2045. However, the current government has relaxed regulations, jeopardizing the ability to reach these targets. Under a controversial 2023 climate action plan, emissions are expected to increase in the short term.
The government has reduced taxes on gas and diesel, and rolled back emissions targets for the short and medium term. A broad range of other environmental targets address areas such as clean water and air. Some are close to being reached, but groundwater quality and overfertilization remain persistent issues.
A broad range of biodiversity and ecosystem-protection plans are in place. Environmental protection and climate issues are a key aspect of the country’s international aid programs.
Graph View
Graph View
How committed is the government to the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050?
10
9
9
The government is clearly committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
8
7
6
7
6
The government is largely committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
5
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3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
2
1
1
The government is not at all committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
Sweden has a long tradition of stringent climate policies and regulation. The regulatory framework is detailed and consequential, with evaluations showing progress or lack thereof. However, the right-wing alliance elected in 2022 has relaxed environmental regulations to the point that the ambitious targets will not be reached within the suggested timeline.
The Climate Act of 2017 (SFS 2017, 720) mandates a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and other greenhouse gases, assigning emission targets to the Riksdag. Sweden’s climate actions are guided by 16 sector-specific environmental targets and an overarching generational goal. Evaluations are conducted yearly, with extensive reviews every four years at both national and regional levels.
The generational goal conceptualizes environmental problems as a duty the current generation has to future ones: to solve environmental issues without exacerbating environmental and health problems in countries outside of Sweden.
The environmental targets encompass 16 different areas, including the built environment, natural habitats, littoral areas, and land, affecting both humans and non-humans. Each target contains extensive and precise descriptions, totaling 78 specified indicators, reports, suggested measures, and an evaluation of whether the targets will be reached.
Currently, only the target for protected ozone layers is being reached. The targets for fresh air, an environment free of toxins, and safe radiation environments are close to being reached. The targets can be considered political goals and are not legally binding. As a consequence of the targets’ lack of legal status, they are not mentioned in the verdicts from the land and environmental courts. In turn, this means that regulation attached to these goals is voluntary.
The government presented a heavily criticized climate action plan in 2023, with few measures to reduce Sweden’s emissions in the near future. Instead, emissions are expected to increase in the short term. Two opposing parties, the Center Party and the Environmental Party, declared a vote of no confidence against the Minister of Climate and Environmental, Romina Pourmokhtari (The Liberal Party), as a result of the climate action plan, but the minister survived the vote.
Nevertheless, the environmental action plan covers thematic areas related to environmental politics. For example, sustainable public procurement and policy development in procurement are encouraged in the action plan, and the government has commissioned the National Agency for Public Procurement to update its system for analyzing climate impact on procurement (Skr. 2023/24/59).
There are several agencies working to reach the environmental targets. These include the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, the National Board of Housing, Building and Planning, the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management, the Swedish Board of Agriculture, the Swedish Forest Agency, and the county boards.
Sweden has set five stage targets to limit climate impact. The primary aim is to reduce greenhouse gases from domestic transport by at least 70% by 2030 compared to 2010 levels. Additionally, Sweden aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions in the ESR sector (operations not included in the EU’s system for trade and emission rights) with several milestones: a 63% reduction by 2030 compared to 1990, and a 75% reduction by 2040. The final target is to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 and subsequently attain negative emissions. By 2045, at minimum, emissions from Swedish territory should be at least 85% lower than in 1990. However, these targets will not be reached under the current policy landscape (Sveriges Miljömål, 2023).
The government reduced taxes on gas and diesel by SEK 5.64 million during 2024, and the reduction obligation (reducing greenhouse gas emissions) was lowered by six percent between 2024 – 2026 and removed for 2027 – 2039. The argument for reducing taxes and reduction obligations was to lower fuel prices. However, the government’s decision to lower fuel prices undermines policy efforts and environmental targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Sweden’s surface is covered by 69%, or 29 million hectares, of forests, making it the EU country with the largest forest area. Of these lands, 2.1 million hectares are productive forests (Mittuniversitetet, 2022). “Living forests” is one of Sweden’s national environmental targets, with indicators to measure the results that include formally protected forest lands, voluntary provisions, consideration areas, unproductive forest lands, old forests, nesting birds in the forest, environmental considerations in forestry, and structures in the forest landscape. With current and planned policy efforts, the target will not be reached, and the development for the forests is negative.
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency released a report in 2022 concerning policy instruments to expand natural greenhouse gas sinks. The report concluded that there is a lack of incentives among stakeholders, specifically forest owners, leading them to use their forests for other purposes, such as forestry (Gong et al., 2022). In the national environmental action plan, the government states that measures are needed in forestry and agriculture to expand natural greenhouse gas sinks, but no specific measures are suggested (Skr. 2023/24:59).
Citations:
Mittuniversitetet. 2022. Skogens värden. ISBN: 978-91-89341-70-8.
Gong, P., Knutsson, A., and Elofsson, K. 2022. Styrmedel för att öka kolsänkor i skogssektorn. Stockholm: Naturvårdsverket.
Skr. 2023/24:59. 2023. Regeringens klimathandlingsplan – hela vägen till nettonoll. Regeringens skrivelse, Stockholm.
SFS. 2017. Klimatlag. https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/klimatlag-2017720_sfs-2017-720
Sveriges Miljömål. 2023. “Utsläpp av växthusgaser till år 2045.” https://www.sverigesmiljomal.se/etappmalen/utslapp-av-vaxthusgaser-till-ar-2045/
The Climate Act of 2017 (SFS 2017, 720) mandates a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and other greenhouse gases, assigning emission targets to the Riksdag. Sweden’s climate actions are guided by 16 sector-specific environmental targets and an overarching generational goal. Evaluations are conducted yearly, with extensive reviews every four years at both national and regional levels.
The generational goal conceptualizes environmental problems as a duty the current generation has to future ones: to solve environmental issues without exacerbating environmental and health problems in countries outside of Sweden.
The environmental targets encompass 16 different areas, including the built environment, natural habitats, littoral areas, and land, affecting both humans and non-humans. Each target contains extensive and precise descriptions, totaling 78 specified indicators, reports, suggested measures, and an evaluation of whether the targets will be reached.
Currently, only the target for protected ozone layers is being reached. The targets for fresh air, an environment free of toxins, and safe radiation environments are close to being reached. The targets can be considered political goals and are not legally binding. As a consequence of the targets’ lack of legal status, they are not mentioned in the verdicts from the land and environmental courts. In turn, this means that regulation attached to these goals is voluntary.
The government presented a heavily criticized climate action plan in 2023, with few measures to reduce Sweden’s emissions in the near future. Instead, emissions are expected to increase in the short term. Two opposing parties, the Center Party and the Environmental Party, declared a vote of no confidence against the Minister of Climate and Environmental, Romina Pourmokhtari (The Liberal Party), as a result of the climate action plan, but the minister survived the vote.
Nevertheless, the environmental action plan covers thematic areas related to environmental politics. For example, sustainable public procurement and policy development in procurement are encouraged in the action plan, and the government has commissioned the National Agency for Public Procurement to update its system for analyzing climate impact on procurement (Skr. 2023/24/59).
There are several agencies working to reach the environmental targets. These include the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, the National Board of Housing, Building and Planning, the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management, the Swedish Board of Agriculture, the Swedish Forest Agency, and the county boards.
Sweden has set five stage targets to limit climate impact. The primary aim is to reduce greenhouse gases from domestic transport by at least 70% by 2030 compared to 2010 levels. Additionally, Sweden aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions in the ESR sector (operations not included in the EU’s system for trade and emission rights) with several milestones: a 63% reduction by 2030 compared to 1990, and a 75% reduction by 2040. The final target is to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 and subsequently attain negative emissions. By 2045, at minimum, emissions from Swedish territory should be at least 85% lower than in 1990. However, these targets will not be reached under the current policy landscape (Sveriges Miljömål, 2023).
The government reduced taxes on gas and diesel by SEK 5.64 million during 2024, and the reduction obligation (reducing greenhouse gas emissions) was lowered by six percent between 2024 – 2026 and removed for 2027 – 2039. The argument for reducing taxes and reduction obligations was to lower fuel prices. However, the government’s decision to lower fuel prices undermines policy efforts and environmental targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Sweden’s surface is covered by 69%, or 29 million hectares, of forests, making it the EU country with the largest forest area. Of these lands, 2.1 million hectares are productive forests (Mittuniversitetet, 2022). “Living forests” is one of Sweden’s national environmental targets, with indicators to measure the results that include formally protected forest lands, voluntary provisions, consideration areas, unproductive forest lands, old forests, nesting birds in the forest, environmental considerations in forestry, and structures in the forest landscape. With current and planned policy efforts, the target will not be reached, and the development for the forests is negative.
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency released a report in 2022 concerning policy instruments to expand natural greenhouse gas sinks. The report concluded that there is a lack of incentives among stakeholders, specifically forest owners, leading them to use their forests for other purposes, such as forestry (Gong et al., 2022). In the national environmental action plan, the government states that measures are needed in forestry and agriculture to expand natural greenhouse gas sinks, but no specific measures are suggested (Skr. 2023/24:59).
Citations:
Mittuniversitetet. 2022. Skogens värden. ISBN: 978-91-89341-70-8.
Gong, P., Knutsson, A., and Elofsson, K. 2022. Styrmedel för att öka kolsänkor i skogssektorn. Stockholm: Naturvårdsverket.
Skr. 2023/24:59. 2023. Regeringens klimathandlingsplan – hela vägen till nettonoll. Regeringens skrivelse, Stockholm.
SFS. 2017. Klimatlag. https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/klimatlag-2017720_sfs-2017-720
Sveriges Miljömål. 2023. “Utsläpp av växthusgaser till år 2045.” https://www.sverigesmiljomal.se/etappmalen/utslapp-av-vaxthusgaser-till-ar-2045/
Graph View
How committed is the government to protecting the public from environmental health risks?
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9
The government is clearly committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
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7
6
The government is largely committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
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3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
2
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1
The government is not at all committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
Sweden’s commitment to minimizing environmental health risks related to climate change through pollution and emissions is covered by the generational target and several of the 16 environmental targets, such as clean air, an environment free of toxins, no overfertilization, good quality groundwater, and good living environments (see section 17 for a description of Sweden’s environmental targets and strategies, their legal status, and the agencies working on evaluating them). Some of these targets are close to being reached, such as environments free of toxins and clean air, but others, like no overfertilization and good quality groundwater, are not yet met. The targets are evaluated through 20 different indicators, such as the amount of nitrogen dioxide emissions, travel habits, polluted areas, and environmental toxins in breast milk and blood (Sveriges Miljömål, 2023).
In 2021, none of Sweden’s urban population was exposed to air pollution concentrations exceeding EU standards. However, air pollution was responsible for 650 attributable deaths (EEA, 2023). The Public Health Agency of Sweden has analyzed the health risks posed by environmental changes in the country. The most significant threats in a changing climate are heat waves and tick-borne infections, followed by a high probability of pollen allergies, floods, deteriorating drinking water quality, and disease outbreaks through water and food (Naturvårdsverket, 2023).
In the 2023 evaluation of the environmental targets, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency examined the environmental targets and policy efforts to reach them. The agency stated that the targets for clean air and an environment free of toxins will be partly reached or that the necessary preconditions, such as policy instruments and measures, will be in place by 2030. Air quality has shown positive development for a long time, and the evaluation suggests that the specifications for the clean air target will be strengthened according to new guidelines presented by WHO. The policy efforts to reach the target of an environment free of toxins are guided by measures within the EU’s chemical strategy and the Green Deal, and are expected to be largely implemented by 2030, increasing the chances of reaching the target (Naturvårdsverket, 2023).
Citations:
EEA – European Environment Agency. 2023. “Sweden – Air Pollution Country Fact Sheet.” https://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/air/country-fact-sheets/2023-country-fact-sheets/sweden-air-pollution-country
Naturvårdsverket. 2023. Fördjupad utvärdering av Sveriges miljömål 2023 – Med förslag till regeringen. Rapport 7088. Stockholm: Naturvårdsverket.
Sveriges Miljömål. 2023. “Sveriges miljömål.” https://www.sverigesmiljomal.se/miljomalen/
In 2021, none of Sweden’s urban population was exposed to air pollution concentrations exceeding EU standards. However, air pollution was responsible for 650 attributable deaths (EEA, 2023). The Public Health Agency of Sweden has analyzed the health risks posed by environmental changes in the country. The most significant threats in a changing climate are heat waves and tick-borne infections, followed by a high probability of pollen allergies, floods, deteriorating drinking water quality, and disease outbreaks through water and food (Naturvårdsverket, 2023).
In the 2023 evaluation of the environmental targets, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency examined the environmental targets and policy efforts to reach them. The agency stated that the targets for clean air and an environment free of toxins will be partly reached or that the necessary preconditions, such as policy instruments and measures, will be in place by 2030. Air quality has shown positive development for a long time, and the evaluation suggests that the specifications for the clean air target will be strengthened according to new guidelines presented by WHO. The policy efforts to reach the target of an environment free of toxins are guided by measures within the EU’s chemical strategy and the Green Deal, and are expected to be largely implemented by 2030, increasing the chances of reaching the target (Naturvårdsverket, 2023).
Citations:
EEA – European Environment Agency. 2023. “Sweden – Air Pollution Country Fact Sheet.” https://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/air/country-fact-sheets/2023-country-fact-sheets/sweden-air-pollution-country
Naturvårdsverket. 2023. Fördjupad utvärdering av Sveriges miljömål 2023 – Med förslag till regeringen. Rapport 7088. Stockholm: Naturvårdsverket.
Sveriges Miljömål. 2023. “Sveriges miljömål.” https://www.sverigesmiljomal.se/miljomalen/
Graph View
How committed is the government to preserving ecosystems and protecting biodiversity?
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The government is clearly committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
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6
The government is largely committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
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3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
2
1
1
The government is not at all committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
Preserving ecosystems and protecting biodiversity are national environmental targets. These goals are included in the generational target and several of the 16 environmental targets, which cover areas such as wetlands, mountains, forests, oceans, plant and animal life, acidification, and overfertilization. In 2014, the Riksdag accepted a proposition for a Swedish strategy for biological diversity and ecosystem services. This strategy focuses on protecting land and oceans, safeguarding threatened plant and animal species, maintaining genetic diversity, considering nature and cultural environments, and enhancing cooperation with the business sector (Prop 2013/14:141).
One of the measures in the proposal is to implement regional action plans for green infrastructure, a step already taken by all of Sweden’s county boards in collaboration with relevant agencies. The purpose of these action plans is to provide a basis of knowledge, planning, and priorities to achieve the environmental targets (Naturvårdsverket, 2023a).
Further, Sweden is implementing the EU strategy for biodiversity 2030, which aims to legally protect at least 30% of the EU’s land areas and 30% of the oceans. The EU voted in favor of making nature restoration legally binding in 2023. However, nine out of twelve Swedish EU parliamentarians voted against it.
Sweden has approximately 4,000 Natura 2000 areas, totaling around 7 million hectares, some of which are nature reserves or national parks. Natura 2000 is an EU network of valuable nature areas deemed worthy of protection by the EU. Sweden signed the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1993, and in 2023 the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency [Naturvårdsverket] proposed a national strategy and action plan connected to CBD.
The proposed national strategy and action plan concerning CBD is formulated according to the EU strategy on biodiversity. It is comprehensive and includes one overarching target and three strategic themes consisting of 21 measure areas with specific targets and main indicators. The strategy and action plan have been produced through a collaboration that involves the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management, the Swedish Forest Agency, the Swedish Board of Agriculture, the Swedish Energy Agency, the Swedish Transport Administration, the Sami parliament, the National Board of Housing, Building and Planning, and other stakeholders.
The strategy and action plan will be assessed against the CBD, and the updated strategy and action plan will be presented before COP16, along with national targets and main indicators for each target. The national results will be reported according to templates by 28 February 2026 and 30 June 2029 to provide a basis for future COP meetings. Sweden also reports to the EU, and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency suggests that evaluation processes should be synchronized as much as possible. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency concludes that further measures are needed to fully meet the CBD, such as developing even more concrete measures and indicators for evaluation. The proposed strategy and action plan were presented to the government in November 2023, and there is no information on whether it will be accepted or legally binding (Naturvårdsverket, 2023b).
Citations:
Naturvårdsverket. 2023a. “Regionala handlingsplaner.” https://www.naturvardsverket.se/amnesomraden/mark-och-vattenanvandning/gron-infrastruktur/regionala-handlingsplaner/
Naturvårdsverket. 2023b. Förslag till nationell strategi och handlingsplan avseende konventionen.
om biologisk mångfald: Redovisning av regeringsuppdrag. Skrivelse 2023-11-02. Naturvårdsverket, Stockholm.
Prop 2013/14:141, En svensk strategi för biologisk mångfald och ekosystemtjänster. https://www.regeringen.se/contentassets/d11a7625086a4c3cb09fcf6322687aba/en-svensk-strategi-for-biologisk-mangfald-och-ekosystemtjanster-prop-201314141/
One of the measures in the proposal is to implement regional action plans for green infrastructure, a step already taken by all of Sweden’s county boards in collaboration with relevant agencies. The purpose of these action plans is to provide a basis of knowledge, planning, and priorities to achieve the environmental targets (Naturvårdsverket, 2023a).
Further, Sweden is implementing the EU strategy for biodiversity 2030, which aims to legally protect at least 30% of the EU’s land areas and 30% of the oceans. The EU voted in favor of making nature restoration legally binding in 2023. However, nine out of twelve Swedish EU parliamentarians voted against it.
Sweden has approximately 4,000 Natura 2000 areas, totaling around 7 million hectares, some of which are nature reserves or national parks. Natura 2000 is an EU network of valuable nature areas deemed worthy of protection by the EU. Sweden signed the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1993, and in 2023 the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency [Naturvårdsverket] proposed a national strategy and action plan connected to CBD.
The proposed national strategy and action plan concerning CBD is formulated according to the EU strategy on biodiversity. It is comprehensive and includes one overarching target and three strategic themes consisting of 21 measure areas with specific targets and main indicators. The strategy and action plan have been produced through a collaboration that involves the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management, the Swedish Forest Agency, the Swedish Board of Agriculture, the Swedish Energy Agency, the Swedish Transport Administration, the Sami parliament, the National Board of Housing, Building and Planning, and other stakeholders.
The strategy and action plan will be assessed against the CBD, and the updated strategy and action plan will be presented before COP16, along with national targets and main indicators for each target. The national results will be reported according to templates by 28 February 2026 and 30 June 2029 to provide a basis for future COP meetings. Sweden also reports to the EU, and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency suggests that evaluation processes should be synchronized as much as possible. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency concludes that further measures are needed to fully meet the CBD, such as developing even more concrete measures and indicators for evaluation. The proposed strategy and action plan were presented to the government in November 2023, and there is no information on whether it will be accepted or legally binding (Naturvårdsverket, 2023b).
Citations:
Naturvårdsverket. 2023a. “Regionala handlingsplaner.” https://www.naturvardsverket.se/amnesomraden/mark-och-vattenanvandning/gron-infrastruktur/regionala-handlingsplaner/
Naturvårdsverket. 2023b. Förslag till nationell strategi och handlingsplan avseende konventionen.
om biologisk mångfald: Redovisning av regeringsuppdrag. Skrivelse 2023-11-02. Naturvårdsverket, Stockholm.
Prop 2013/14:141, En svensk strategi för biologisk mångfald och ekosystemtjänster. https://www.regeringen.se/contentassets/d11a7625086a4c3cb09fcf6322687aba/en-svensk-strategi-for-biologisk-mangfald-och-ekosystemtjanster-prop-201314141/
Graph View
To what extent is the government committed and credible in designing and promoting global environmental protection regimes and policies?
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Government policy and institutions are fully aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
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Government policy and institutions are largely aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
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Government policy and institutions are somewhat aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
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Government policy and institutions are not at all aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
In 2022, the government implemented a strategy for global development cooperation within the environment, climate, and biodiversity for 2022 – 2030. The strategy adheres to Sweden’s international aid target, which aims to create preconditions for better living conditions for people living in poverty and under oppression. It is based on the principles of aid and development efficiency outlined in Agenda 2030, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, and the Paris Agreement. The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) is responsible for implementation, evaluation, and annual reporting related to the strategy’s activities, which are funded with SEK 8 billion.
The strategy has clearly defined capacity-building targets, and operations are geared toward contributing to these goals. These targets include increased water safety through sustainable governance of freshwater resources and ecosystems, limited climate impact through greater access to renewable energy and improved energy efficiency, and the development of more environmentally sustainable and inclusive cities and societies. Further goals include sustainable production and consumption patterns, the shift to sustainable food systems, reduced pollution, and sustainable chemical and waste management. The strategy also aims to strengthen the ability to adapt and build resilience against climate change and natural disasters. Additional objectives include creating cleaner oceans and coasts, sustainably using, managing, and restoring marine natural resources, and conserving biodiversity and ecosystems. Moreover, the plan calls for increased protection, conservation, and restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity and strengthened preconditions for the sustainable management and use of land-based natural resources (Utrikesdepartementet, 2022).
SIDA works with climate and environmental goals to strengthen countries’ ability to develop sustainably and to improve people’s living conditions. The work is guided by the strategy for global development cooperation within the environment, climate, and biodiversity for 2022 – 2030, and the support ranges from global to local organizations, to countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and South America. The efforts focus on a sustainable environment, sustainable climate and oceans, and sustainable use of natural resources (SIDA, 2022).
In late 2023, the government published a climate action plan. The plan emphasizes the importance of international cooperation, but it lacks an assessment of the risk of spillover effects from national environmental policies (Skr. 2023/24, 59). In a report published the same year, which offers suggestions on how to achieve climate neutrality before 2050, it is stated that measures need to be taken if consumption and trade patterns within the EU cause increased emissions in other parts of the world. Such measures shall be decided on an EU level (Hassler 2023).
Citations:
Hassler, J. 2023. Sveriges klimatstrategi: 46 förslag för klimatomställningen i ljuset av Fit for 55. Stockholm: Klimat- och näringslivsdepartementet.
Sida. 2022. “Sidas arbete med klimat och miljö.” https://www.sida.se/sida-i-varlden/teman/miljo-och-klimat
Utrikesdepartementet – Regeringskansliet. 2022. Strategi för Sveriges globala utvecklingssamarbete inom miljö, klimat och biologisk mångfald, 2022-2026. Stockholm: Utrikesdepartementet.
The strategy has clearly defined capacity-building targets, and operations are geared toward contributing to these goals. These targets include increased water safety through sustainable governance of freshwater resources and ecosystems, limited climate impact through greater access to renewable energy and improved energy efficiency, and the development of more environmentally sustainable and inclusive cities and societies. Further goals include sustainable production and consumption patterns, the shift to sustainable food systems, reduced pollution, and sustainable chemical and waste management. The strategy also aims to strengthen the ability to adapt and build resilience against climate change and natural disasters. Additional objectives include creating cleaner oceans and coasts, sustainably using, managing, and restoring marine natural resources, and conserving biodiversity and ecosystems. Moreover, the plan calls for increased protection, conservation, and restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity and strengthened preconditions for the sustainable management and use of land-based natural resources (Utrikesdepartementet, 2022).
SIDA works with climate and environmental goals to strengthen countries’ ability to develop sustainably and to improve people’s living conditions. The work is guided by the strategy for global development cooperation within the environment, climate, and biodiversity for 2022 – 2030, and the support ranges from global to local organizations, to countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and South America. The efforts focus on a sustainable environment, sustainable climate and oceans, and sustainable use of natural resources (SIDA, 2022).
In late 2023, the government published a climate action plan. The plan emphasizes the importance of international cooperation, but it lacks an assessment of the risk of spillover effects from national environmental policies (Skr. 2023/24, 59). In a report published the same year, which offers suggestions on how to achieve climate neutrality before 2050, it is stated that measures need to be taken if consumption and trade patterns within the EU cause increased emissions in other parts of the world. Such measures shall be decided on an EU level (Hassler 2023).
Citations:
Hassler, J. 2023. Sveriges klimatstrategi: 46 förslag för klimatomställningen i ljuset av Fit for 55. Stockholm: Klimat- och näringslivsdepartementet.
Sida. 2022. “Sidas arbete med klimat och miljö.” https://www.sida.se/sida-i-varlden/teman/miljo-och-klimat
Utrikesdepartementet – Regeringskansliet. 2022. Strategi för Sveriges globala utvecklingssamarbete inom miljö, klimat och biologisk mångfald, 2022-2026. Stockholm: Utrikesdepartementet.