Sweden raises climate reduction obligation amid skepticism from 2030 Secretariat

Sweden aims to meet the EU’s climate targets for 2030 by raising its reduction obligation from 6% to 10%. However, this move is met with skepticism from the 2030 Secretariat, which advocates for a fossil-free transportation sector. Mattias Goldmann, CEO of the organization, argues that the government lacks robust climate policies and asserts that mere percentage increases are insufficient. He warns of potential fines, the need to purchase emissions allowances, and adverse effects on forestry and agriculture.

According to the government, the proposed adjustment is expected to lead to emissions reductions of approximately 2.5 million tons by 2030. Nevertheless, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency estimates that, even with current and planned measures, there will still be a deficit of at least 6 million tons to achieve Sweden’s EU target of a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030. Beatrice Rindevall, chair of the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, emphasizes that the government’s calculations seem inadequate and only bring them halfway to meeting their climate goals.

The new proposal also allows fuel suppliers to count electricity from charging stations toward their emissions reduction targets, a change Goldmann believes dilutes the effectiveness of the reductions. He cautions that while it’s beneficial to accelerate the transition to electric mobility, it should not come at the cost of advancing renewable fuels.

Climate and Environment Minister Romina Pourmokhtari has stated that the inclusion of biofuels could increase without raising pump prices.