Trade comes before climate support for the vulnerable

Last year, Sweden agreed to double aid to poor countries that have had to take the brunt of the climate crisis. Aid organizations now fear that the new government is instead prioritizing Swedish commercial interests over aid to the most vulnerable.

Next year, Swedish aid will be reduced by just over SEK 7 billion. The part of the aid that goes to the climate, on the other hand, is to be expanded and made more efficient, according to the government’s budget proposal submitted last week.

How the climate aid will be distributed is still unclear, but several aid organizations are concerned about the new government’s priorities.

– They write, among other things, that the cooperation with countries that have large emissions should be developed, but that rhymes a bit badly with Sweden’s aid policy, which should be aimed at the poorest countries, says Erik Lysén, head of Act Swedish Church.

Fears broken promises

Poor countries bear a small part of the blame for global warming, but in many places have to pay the highest price in the form of floods, parched farmland and other climate effects.

During last year’s climate conference, COP26 in Glasgow, the countries agreed that support for climate adaptation should be doubled by the year 2025.

After reading the budget bill, Erik Lysén fears that Sweden will not stick to that promise.

– They want to redirect climate aid from adaptation to emission reductions, which is unfortunate because support for adaptation is greatly neglected internationally. Sweden has been one of the few countries that has prioritized it, he says.

Africa hardest hit

During the ongoing COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, the question of the rich countries’ compensation for the climate crisis is in the center.

The African continent is one of the world’s most climate-sensitive areas, and many vulnerable countries have called for a climate fund to compensate for the damage. However, it does not look like there will be a fund, as both the US and the EU say no to such a financing model.

The organization We Effect, which supports small-scale agriculture in 20 countries, hopes that the government will not forget about support for climate adaptation.

– We are waiting for the details (in the budget) but we do feel a concern. The support is absolutely crucial for the transition that must take place and the hunger disaster in Africa that is only growing. Those affected are those who grow the food for their own populations, says Anna Tibblin, general secretary at We Effect.

“Will create jobs”

According to Aid and Foreign Trade Minister Johan Forssell (M), the Swedish goal of doubling the money for climate adaptation is fixed. How much climate aid will increase, however, has not been determined.

– But it’s about a whole term of office, so to speak. We will scale up this work, but the forms are not set yet, says Forssell.

The climate summit has made the new aid minister even more convinced that the government’s new policy, where aid and trade are woven together, is the right way to go.

– It will lower emissions in these countries and create jobs at home in Sweden, says Forssell.

According to the minister, badly used aid has made many countries even poorer and more dependent on the aid money.

– And it is because you have missed this other part with democracy, prosperity, market economy and so on, he says.

Will look to Sweden

The goal of the new perspective is to not only benefit the developing countries we cooperate with, but also Sweden.

– If you look at the trade side, we should look to Sweden, it is quite natural. If you look at the aid side, we must do what is good for the developing countries. But the beauty, and our entire shift in perspective, is that we can combine these two, says Forssell.

To more clearly combine trade with aid is an interesting arrangement, says Anna Tibblin. But then it is important that the aid goals do not end up in the shadows.

– Positive things can come out of it, but then the relationship must be based on the recipient; the rights and needs of poor people, and not Swedish business interests, says Anna Tibblin.

She is supported by Martin Nihlgård, secretary general of the aid organization IM. According to him, trade should always be included as an incentive, regardless of political area.

– But the risk is now that Swedish gains come before aid goals. The starting point for this government is primarily not to fight poverty, but to reduce migration and increase trade, says Martin Nihlgård.

Facts

The government’s priority areas for aid

Read more