Sweden would aim for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 under a new law tabled earlier this month by Prime Minister Stefan Löfven and Climate Minister Isabella Lövin.
“We’ve set the goal that there should be zero net emissions by then, and all future governments would have to report on how they’ll meet that goal,” Lövin said. “This law would mean we need to be transparent in our climate policy, and would bind future governments to having a credible climate policy.”
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The measure would require every future Swedish government to develop a climate action plan for its time in office, then report progress annually. The net zero emissions target “was decided upon by a cross-parliamentary group including every party in the Riksdag, with the exception of the far-right Swede Democrats,” The Local reports.
The centre-right opposition Moderate party said the emissions goal is worthy, but may be tough to meet. “The climate law is good. It’s an important tool. But tools for reaching the emissions targets will also be needed,” said MP Jonas Jacobsson Gjörtler.
But Lövin said the country might even hit the net zero target ahead of schedule.
“We can see that with goals we set previously, like the one for renewable energy levels by 2020, where we have already met the target,” she said. “It actually tends to go quicker. Once you set a goal and start on the road, things tend to go very quickly. We’ll see. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s sooner than 2045.”
So far, highlights of the plan include an 85% reduction in domestic GHG emissions from 1990 levels, a 70% cut in transportation emissions, and international climate investments to offset remaining domestic greenhouse gas output.
