Ministry of the Environment

Prime Minister Stefan Löfven today announced a government reshuffle. Two new ministers have been appointed, and two ministers have been given revised areas of responsibility. Minister Isabella Lövin is leaving her post.

Civil society, the business sector and municipalities have an important role in the efforts for sustainable development. State Secretary Eva Svedling invited organisations and networks that are involved in this issue from different perspectives to a discussion on the focus of the Stockholm+50 high-level conference. One suggestion from the consultation was that Stockholm+50 should be action-oriented and highlight the conditions for, and obstacles to, implementing global goals.

This information material contains a selection of the acts and ordinances – both new and amended – that enter into force in the second half of 2020 or some time thereafter.

Sweden’s young people are deeply committed to the issue of climate change. In recognition of their commitment, Minister for Environment and Climate Isabella Lövin met with representatives of ten youth climate organisations on 25 November to discuss climate ambitions and objectives for the high-level meeting Stockholm+50 from a young person’s perspective.

Sweden has submitted its long-term climate strategy to the UN. The strategy is part of Sweden’s work under the Paris Agreement and contains ambitious emission targets and measures that will drive climate transition in Sweden in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

The Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT) – launched by Sweden and India to drive the climate transition in energy-intensive industries – held its Leadership Summit today. LeadIT members agreed on a range of ambitious commitments to contribute to freedom from fossil fuels and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

At a summit on the climate transition of energy-intensive industries, Minister for Environment and Climate Isabella Lövin announced that Sweden intends to contribute a total of SEK 300 million to a new and innovative industry transition programme within the World Bank’s climate finance mechanism, the Climate Investment Funds (CIF).

The national strategy for a circular economy sets out the direction and ambition for a long-term and sustainable transition of Swedish society. The Government adopted the national strategy for a circular economy earlier this year. The strategy is now available in English. The strategy is based on an agreement between the Government, the Centre Party and the Liberal Party.

A transition of the society is required to achieve environmental and climate objectives, secure our welfare services and the competitiveness of the business sector and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Through this strategy the Government wants to stake out the direction of and ambition for this work. In addition to the strategy, action plans containing concrete measures will be adopted.The strategy is based on an agreement between the Government, the Centre Party and the Liberal Party.

Sweden has committed to supporting the efforts of developing countries on emission reductions, climate adaptation, capacity-building and technology transfer. Since 2014, the Government has more than tripled its climate aid to developing countries. Climate financing in 2019 was 20 per cent higher than in 2018.