Greenhouse gas emissions in Sweden decreased by 2% in 2023, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
However, experts express concerns that the government’s policies may lead to a rebound in emissions in the near future.
Significant Reduction Since 1990
In March, an agency responsible for evaluating climate policy predicted that government climate policies would trigger an increase in emissions in 2024 and that the announced targets for 2030 would not be met.
Nevertheless, greenhouse gas emissions totaled 44.2 million tons of carbon dioxide (Mt CO2e) last year, a decrease of one million tons compared to 2022, according to a preliminary assessment by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
This 2% reduction aligns with the -1.6% estimate announced in late May by the Swedish statistics authority SCB. Notably, these emissions have decreased by 38% compared to 1990 levels, according to the EPA.
Industrial Decline Drives Emission Reduction
The agency attributes the annual decline primarily to reduced emissions from the industrial sector, particularly in cement, iron, and steel production, due to decreased output amid Sweden’s economic recession.
Additionally, lower electricity production and district heating, resulting from falling electricity prices, contributed to the reduction.
Slower Pace of Reduction Compared to Previous Year
Anna-Karin Nystrom, head of the EPA’s climate goals division, noted that emissions continued to decrease, especially in the industrial, electricity, and district heating sectors, which are part of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS).
However, she also acknowledged that the pace of reduction slowed compared to the previous year when domestic transport and fuel-powered machinery played a significant role in a sharp decrease.
Criticism of Government Policies
In March, the Swedish Climate Policy Council expressed concerns that “policies adopted in 2023 would increase emissions and prevent Sweden from achieving its climate goals or EU commitments by 2030.”
The council criticized measures announced in the September budget, such as reduced fuel taxes, and the lack of concrete actions in the “climate action plan,” a four-year roadmap.
Government’s Response
Despite these concerns, Climate and Environment Minister Romina Pourmokhtari expressed that she was “not particularly worried” by the assessment.
This stance raises questions about the government’s commitment to addressing the potential for a future increase in emissions and achieving its climate targets.