Government Considers Abandoning 2030 Climate Goals, According to Altinget Report
A report by national economist John Hassler, set to be presented tomorrow after four months of work, suggests that the Swedish government should abandon its current climate goals for 2030 and instead rework and update all national goals. The Altinget has obtained a copy of the report, which states that none of the existing climate goals should remain in their current form.
Hassler proposes that the Environmental Goals Committee should be tasked with updating all Swedish goals according to the structure used within the EU’s regulatory framework. This would mean that certain measures, such as carbon dioxide storage and the purchase of foreign emission credits, would no longer be included. The report also recommends a tightening of the transport sector target, focusing on the electrification of the transport sector.
If the government decides to follow Hassler’s proposal, all national climate goals will face changes. The report contains a total of 46 climate policy proposals, which will serve as inputs to the government’s climate action plan to be presented to the Riksdag in December.
Some familiar suggestions in the report include broader emissions trading, including real estate and transport, and the introduction of a climate cabinet led by the prime minister and finance minister. Hassler also recommends the investigation of a system that compensates landowners for the climate benefit created, similar to the carbon sink certificate being negotiated at the EU level.
Regarding climate research, the report highlights the large uncertainty surrounding the sensitivity of the climate to emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Hassler acknowledges that he worked on the report without the assistance of an investigation secretariat or other experts, but expresses gratitude to environmental consultant Magnus Nilsson, professor Ing-Marie Gren, and Per Kågeson, as well as government officials.
The Altinget reached out to Climate and Environment Minister Romina Pourmokhtari for comment, but she declined an interview.
The report concludes by highlighting three key points from scientific research: the need for global net zero emissions of carbon dioxide, the stabilization of methane and other greenhouse gas emissions, and the large uncertainty surrounding the sensitivity of the climate to these emissions.
The government will now consider these recommendations before finalizing its climate action plan to be presented later this year.