What the EU is currently doing in the climate area is "extremely positive", says Johan Rockstöm, who is also director of Germany's Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact.
It is about the so-called climate tariffs that will make it expensive to import goods, such as steel and fertilizers, that are produced in climate-damaging ways.
"We have always said that we need a global price on carbon, now we may get it thanks to European pressure," says Rockström.
"Must give them credit"
It is being introduced despite ongoing wars and economic downturns, Johan Rockström emphasizes.
"In the midst of this turbulence, the EU is maintaining climate leadership in the world. It is extremely important and our political leaders really must be commended for being able to do it.
Climate Minister Romina Pourmokhtari (L) declined to comment on Rockström's criticism.
At the same time, according to Rockström, Sweden is making a different choice – hear why he thinks Sweden has fallen behind and what consequences this may have.