Do Sweden’s emissions play a role?

The Swedes’ emissions are a drop in the ocean and it is better that we invest in influencing big climate criminals like China. That reasoning is heard more and more often. But behind that is the self-image of a nature-loving people who bear no major blame for the climate crisis, researchers believe.

We in Sweden do not have to make an effort to reduce our climate emissions, because they are so small compared to what, for example, China spews into the atmosphere. Therefore, it is better to try to influence emissions globally, instead of being dragged down by higher fuel prices or trying to change our lifestyle.

That line has been pushed above all by the Sweden Democrats. However, the government’s new budget and other announced measures also lead to increased emissions in Sweden, with the consequence that the climate goals appear to be difficult to achieve. At the same time, efforts are being made to reduce emissions in other countries through increased climate aid.

But does it matter so little what we do here in Sweden? And what are the consequences of lowering ambitions at home?

Maintain privileges

Maria Wolrath Söderberg is a lecturer in rhetoric at Södertörn University and researches climate argumentation. She believes that the reasoning that Sweden’s emissions are insignificant is convenient for those who want to keep their privileges.

– It’s incredibly convenient, because it’s a way of shirking responsibility.

She calls it “an absurd thought” that it wouldn’t matter what we do in Sweden.

– Where is the line, how big does a country or region need to be for it to matter? If you divide the US into states, these become quite small – does it matter what they do? Or what individual cities do? It is always possible to refer to the fact that you are smaller than someone else.

In the background there is also an assumption that we Swedes are already good, and that others must solve the problem, according to Maria Wolrath Söderberg.

So how small or big climate criminals are we in Sweden really?

“An ignorance”

At first glance, it may appear that Swedes release slightly less greenhouse gases per person than the average for the countries of the world, which is just over four tons per year. But that only applies if you look at emissions within the country’s borders. If you factor in the shirt you buy that is made in China, the flight to Spain and other goods and services that cause emissions abroad – yes, then we end up at just over eight tonnes per year, according to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency’s figures.

– There is an ignorance of how high our emissions actually are. China is catching up with us, but we are far higher than countries like India and Nigeria. Rather, they are at the level that we have to get down to in order to pass the Paris Agreement, says Maria Wolrath Söderberg.

The belief that we are better than others is connected to a deep-rooted image of ourselves as a nature-hugging people, she believes.

– We love being in the forest, don’t throw rubbish in nature, and we don’t see the crap we let out. But in our studies, we see that many who calculate their emissions with a climate calculator get a total shock, because they had no idea that four globes would be needed if everyone lives as one, if you are a Medelsvensson.

Fair?

Rich countries such as Sweden, which have historically contributed the most to global warming and are better positioned to reduce their emissions, have committed to leading the way. It is stated in the UN climate convention, which is the basis of the Paris agreement, and the topic is burning hot during the ongoing COP27 climate meeting in Egypt.

The idea that it is just as well to focus on emissions in other countries instead of one’s own, therefore violates the basis of the international climate negotiations, according to Björn-Ola Linnér, researcher in international climate policy at Linköping University.

– It is great to help other countries adjust. For example, that the EU is now assisting South Africa in phasing out its dependence on coal while protecting those who work in the coal industry. But we must both help other countries – and change ourselves. Those who think we can choose and do just one thing have completely missed the point, and failed to understand the enormous transformation of society that is required.

“Who cares”

Sweden has long been a forerunner in the climate area from which other countries have drawn inspiration. But the opportunity to influence others in the right direction is as if blown away if we don’t make an effort at home, according to Linnér.

– Even though Sweden is small, we have had a big impact both under S- and M-led governments. But now I hear from colleagues around the world how shocked they are by the new direction.

Reducing emissions at home is also important given that we live in geopolitically uncertain times, emphasizes Linnér. If rich countries do not take their responsibility in the green transition, it can damage the confidence of poorer countries.

– Building trust towards developing countries is not only important for the climate but also for a safer world. I think it could have serious consequences if you don’t consider what signals you send out by going down the road we’re on now, he says.

Facts

Swedes’ climate footprint

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