Greenhouse gas emissions in Sweden fell by 2% in 2023, to 44.2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (Mt CO2e), according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This fall, in line with SCB (Statistiska centralbyrån) forecasts, is mainly attributed to a reduction in industrial emissions, particularly in the cement, iron and steel sectors. Industrial production slowed due to an economic recession, contributing to this decline.
Impact of electricity prices
The fall in emissions is also due to a reduction in electricity production and district heating, in line with lower electricity prices. Anna-Karin Nystrom, head of the EPA’s Climate Targets Division, pointed out that the industrial, power and district heating sectors included in the European Union’s Emissions Trading Scheme have continued to reduce their emissions. However, the pace of this reduction has slowed compared to the previous year, when the inland transport and machine tool sectors contributed significantly to the fall in emissions thanks to a sharp reduction in fuel use.
Climate outlook and policies
In March, the Swedish Climate Policy Council expressed concerns about the effectiveness of climate policies adopted in 2023. According to the Council, current measures, including the fuel tax relief announced in September when the budget was presented, could lead to an increase in emissions in 2024 and jeopardize Sweden’s 2030 climate targets. The lack of concrete measures in the four-year “climate action plan” was also criticized.
Political reactions
Romina Pourmokhtari, Minister for Climate and Environment, responded to these concerns by downplaying the conclusions of the Swedish Climate Policy Council. She said she was “not particularly concerned” by the assessment, stressing that the government continues to work on solutions to meet national climate targets and EU commitments.
The results for 2023 show that Sweden has made progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but many challenges remain. Vigilance and adaptation of climate policies will be essential to ensure a continuous downward trajectory in emissions and to achieve the targets set for 2030.
