Sweden's emissions of greenhouse gases increased by 7 percent in 2024, according to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's preliminary statistics. This is a "very negative" political signal ahead of the UN's climate meeting COP30 in Brazil in November, according to Björn-Ola Linnér, professor of international climate policy at Linköping University.
We see difficulties in several countries that are backing down on their climate policy ambitions, so it is of course a negative signal, he says.
"Fragile strategy"
It also sends the same signal to the EU, considering the binding commitments to 2030, and that Sweden as a rich country is considered to have the conditions for a transition.
It is important that Sweden is involved and inspires and drives other countries to make a climate transition. And here we show that we do not succeed in doing so anyway.
The increase has mainly occurred in the transport sector and road traffic since the reduction obligation decreased, according to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. This is an analysis that receives support from Linnér.
This shows that we have a very fragile strategy right now to reduce emissions when we are still stuck in a dependence on combustion engines.
Structural transition required
The increase, according to Linnér, indicates that a structural transition of the transport sector is needed, with electrification, more efficient transport systems, and reduced transport.
This requires investments and incentives for those affected, but also political conditions. Linnér compares with today's climate policy, where many in rural areas have felt disadvantaged.
It is unfortunate when it becomes as politicized as it did here. When climate policy was made into a question of cheaper gasoline or not.
