24 reforms for a people-centred climate policy in Sweden

Major Swedish organisations representing a total of 5 million members have negotiated 24 climate policy reforms grounded in science. Implementing these proposals could rapidly reduce emissions in a fair and effective way. The group of organizations includes the national trade union centres LO, TCO and Saco, the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, Hela Sverige ska leva, Sveriges Konsumenter, and several others.

“The reform proposals are a unique agreement between scientists and major civil society organisations. Together, we highlight a strong and broad commitment to people-centred climate policy that is both fair and effective,” says Centre researcher Stephan Barthel, professor in Sustainability Science and program director of Fairtrans.

The proposals span ten areas, including major investments in railways, electric vehicles, wind power, and green skills provision. Among the reforms are climate requirements in public procurement, shifting subsidies from oil to renewable energy, citizen assemblies, and a national ticketing system for public transport. Other measures include improved rural services, increased geographic mobility in the labour market, revenue-sharing from wind power, and reformed travel deduction rules – all designed to make the transition accessible regardless of income or location. The organizations also call for an inquiry into a fundamental tax reform to address key societal challenges, including the climate crisis.

“To remain competitive internationally, Sweden must meet its climate targets. Ordinary people want to be part of the transition, and we know it can be done fairly. Our proposals can gain broad public support – but politicians need to step up. Climate action is critical here and now,” says Johan Lindholm, President of LO, the Swedish Trade Union Confederation.

Research from Fairtrans shows that a majority of Swedes want stronger climate policies and increased investments for a fossil-free society. Yet current policies are weakening, and emissions are rising sharply. Fairtrans brings together actors from science and civil society, and these proposals are the result of four years of collaboration. They are based on both scientific evidence and civil society experience.

“We are major societal actors with different interests, now united behind demands that have scientific backing and real potential to cut emissions fairly. I hope this reaches both the public and policymakers – there are good tools for a safe transition. Now we all need to make it happen,” says Beatrice Rindevall, Chair of the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation.

Read the full set of proposals in Swedish on fairtrans.nu »