Despite the seriousness - Sweden stands for flashes of light in the UN climate report

- Yes, there are several flashes of light when it comes to Sweden.

Both technological development and previous instruments are beginning to have an effect in the forecasts now, says Sara Almqvist, climate analyst at the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.

Sweden is not alone in a declining trend in greenhouse gases, according to the UN Climate Panel's interim report presented today.

We are one of 24 countries that have managed to reduce emissions for at least a decade.

These are mainly EU countries, but the USA is also part of the group.

- But what makes Sweden special is that we have had a steadily declining emissions trend since the 70s.

We were early in phasing out fossil fuels in the energy sector, and have been ahead of many other countries in terms of emissions from housing.

The iron and steel industry is a forerunner

Today, more sectors are contributing to the glimmer of light.

- Sweden has become a pioneer in the development of the iron and steel industry towards fossil-free steel, and a lot is happening in other parts of the industry as well.

What makes Sweden unique in today's report is about emission reductions in the transport sector.

- We have a slightly declining emissions trend in the transport sector, Sweden is actually the only country that has it. 

What does it depend on?

- This is partly due to the fact that we have had a carbon dioxide tax for a long time and increased blending of biofuels in petrol and diesel, and partly because electrification is much faster than we previously expected.

Still does not reach the climate goal

However, this does not mean that Sweden, according to forecasts, will reach the target of zero net emissions by 2045 at the current rate of emission reduction.

Then even greater efforts are required.

- That's how it is.

But we see that a lot is going on in the industry, and with stricter instruments from the government and within the EU, we still believe that we are approaching the goal.

Sara Almqvist believes that Sweden's successful instruments and technologies deserve to be spread further.

- We are met with a lot of surprise in the outside world.

I believe that our success can serve as an inspiration to others.