While politicians argue about climate policy measures, the citizens instead want to see a long-term and cross-block agreement on climate policy. And the citizens’ recommendations go further than current climate decisions.
Sweden follows international patterns
When 60 people, scientifically selected to represent Sweden’s population, are given the same facts about climate change, they agree on measures that go beyond existing decisions.
It reflects well the Swedish electorate, 77 percent of the voters are concerned about the climate and think that the climate policy decisions are insufficient (according to a SOM survey at the University of Gothenburg).
Here too, Sweden follows an international pattern where citizens want to see more ambitious measures.
The Climate Council reflects public opinion
But the Climate Council’s action plan reflects Swedish public opinion in several ways. 50 percent of voters are worried that the climate laws will affect the Swedish economy. The most difficult issues in the Climate Council turned out to be about financial instruments.
The proposal for a progressive air tax did not win enough votes, nor did the increased gas tax.
Government investments are more popular than taxes that hit your own wallet.