Broad consensus in Riksdag on proposal for Sweden’s future

"In the climate strategy proposal, six of the Riksdag parties have agreed on a long-term orientation of the policy. This sends a clear signal to all actors in society. The proposals now presented by the Cross-Party Committee on Environmental Objectives will most likely become the backbone of Sweden's future climate policy – regardless of the government," comments Cross-Party Committee on Environmental Objectives Former Chair Anders Wijkman.

The proposal means that Sweden is to have net zero emissions by no later than 2045, of which emissions reduction in Sweden is to account for at least 85 per cent. Two intermediate targets are proposed – 63 per cent reduction by 2030 and 75 per cent reduction by 2040. Flexibility has been built into the targets, in that it will be possible for a maximum of 8 per cent of reductions by 2030 to take place through supplementary measures, for instance emissions credits in other countries or more carbon sinks in forestry or agriculture.

In addition, the Committee proposes a goal for emissions reduction in domestic transport of at least 70 per cent by 2030.

The goal for the transport sector is ambitious and requires a combination of rapid electrification, a major expansion of climate-smart fuels, transfer of goods transport to railways and shipping, and measures in urban areas to favour public transport, bicycle and pedestrian traffic.

The report comprises a number of proposals in areas such as urban planning, housing and construction, agriculture and foodstuffs, industrial policy and management of energy and materials. The Committee also Cross-Party Committee on Environmental Objectives presents proposals concerning increased cooperation between the business sector and the State as an important element of a strategy to reduce emissions from the iron and steel industry, and others. In addition, the Committee highlights the importance of measures for further development of a bio-based economy, in which new bio-based products from forestry, agriculture or aquaculture can replace fossilbased products.

The report also contains proposals for a cohesive strategy for a Swedish clean air policy. The proposals in the strategy contribute to development towards improved air quality in urban areas, where the highest levels of air pollution occur. Implementation will lead to a significant reduction of the large socioeconomic costs for medical care, loss of work and premature deaths, which are currently estimated at SEK 30–42 billion per year. The Committee's proposals also reduce the risk of a ruling against Sweden by the Court of Justice of the European Union for exceeding EU limits for particles, which could lead to fines of SEK 30 million to SEK 200 million per year.