Sweden’s journey towards net zero in 2045
Sweden's journey towards net zero in 2045
Sweden is committed to net zero by 2045 and has already reduced emissions by 38% since 1990. We are advancing a just, inclusive transition grounded in equity, human rights, and transparent governance.
The first step
Sweden’s Climate Policy Framework was adopted in 2017, after the landmark Paris Agreement in 2015. The framework legally binds the country to have zero net emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere by 2045.
A clear path forward
The Climate Policy Framework passed in parliament is even more ambitious than what Sweden pledged under the Paris Agreement. The framework consists of climate goals, climate legislation, and a climate policy council and provides the necessary long-term conditions for business and society to reach climate goals.
The Climate Act
The Climate Act entered into force on 1 January 2018. It ensures that government policy is based on the stated climate goals, that the government must present a climate report in its budget bill every year, and that every four years, the government must draw up a climate policy action plan.
The Climate Policy Council
The Climate Policy Council consists of experts with high scientific competence within climate, climate policy, economics and social science. Its role is to provide independent evaluation of how well government policy is aligning with climate goals.
Milestone targets
Milestone targets serve as clear indicators along the way. They are intended to identify a desired social change and to specify steps towards achieving the generational goal and one or more of the environmental quality objectives. The targets are divided into eight areas: reduced climate impact, air pollution, circular economy, dangerous substances, sustainable urban development, waste, food loss and waste prevention and eutrophication.
After 2045
After 2045 Sweden should achieve negative net emissions. This means binding or capturing more greenhouse gases from the atmosphere than the country emits.
