Sweden is at risk of failing to meet its climate targets without immediate and decisive political action to reduce carbon emissions, the Environmental Protection Agency cautioned on Friday. The agency's statement highlighted concerns that the country is on track to miss its 2045 net-zero emissions goal as well as its shorter-term objectives, including its emission commitments to the European Union.
Stefan Nystrom, head of the agency's climate department, emphasized the need for additional political decisions to effectively reduce emissions in Sweden. He noted that while there are positive signs of strong policy decisions at the EU level and leadership in green transition within the industry, more action is required at the national level.
The recent easing of requirements to mix biofuel in petrol and diesel, coupled with a tax cut on fossil fuels, is expected to lead to increased emissions in 2024 and beyond, according to the agency. The decision to lower the required amount of biofuel, made by the Swedish government last year, has raised concerns about the country's ability to meet its emission targets.
Mixing biofuels from renewable sources is a key strategy to reduce emissions from cars. To meet its commitments to the EU, Sweden must significantly reduce its use of fossil diesel and petrol while accelerating the electrification of transport, the agency stated.
Sweden's Climate Minister Romina Pourmokhtari reiterated the government's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2045. She emphasized that while the climate action plan outlines steps to be taken in the current term, further political decisions are needed. Pourmokhtari assured that additional budgets and measures would be considered to address the gap between current policies and the necessary actions to achieve climate targets.
The warning from Sweden's Environmental Protection Agency underscores the urgent need for proactive and ambitious climate policies to curb emissions and mitigate the impact of climate change. Without swift and decisive action, Sweden risks falling short of its commitments and jeopardizing its efforts to combat global warming.
