The climate budget lands at SEK 19.3 billion. It is slightly lower than last year, and 4.5 billion less than two years ago. A saving of 18 percent in two years.
There are many items that the government presents as investments in the budget. Investments in wetlands and investments in valuable nature of 500 million. But in fact, these are areas where the budget items are as large, or even smaller, than two years ago.
Emissions continue to increase
And the budget means that emissions will continue to increase, both in 2024 and 2025. The policy decided up to and including July 2023 will increase emissions until 2030, the climate report states. EU policy is then also included, but above all it is about the Tidö parties’ reduced reduction obligation at the turn of the year. Nevertheless, the potential effect of lower fuel prices on travel and the pace of electrification has not been calculated.
In addition, the government’s budget will further increase emissions, admits Elisabeth Svantesson. It is not least about the reduced tax on petrol and fuel, a reform which is estimated to increase emissions by 350,000 tonnes. The policy pursued, including the new budget, indicates that Sweden will not reach the climate goals either by 2030 or 2040, the budget bill states.
Actions in the long term
Among measures that reduce emissions, the government highlights a number of reforms that make it easier for nuclear power and which should shorten permit processes. Measures that the finance minister believes will mean a lot for the climate in the long term.
The biggest investments in money are various grants and interfere with investments in everything from charging posts to biogas plants. The climate step gets 800 million extra, also the industrial step and so-called climate premiums are items that have increased in every budget in recent years, regardless of government. In total, it gives close to three billion more in two years, and hopes for reduced emissions both in the short and long term.