More than 100 organizations are planning a climate protest in Stockholm on August 23, weeks before Sweden's September general election, intensifying criticism of the government's record on reducing CO2 emissions.
Protest Details and Organizers
The demonstration, scheduled ahead of the September 13 vote, is organized by the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation and other groups. Beatrice Rindevall of the society stated, "It is now time for politicians to take us citizens seriously and create a secure future without fossil fuel dependence and a climate crisis."
Organizers say the protest will bring together researchers, youth and sports associations, trade unions, outdoor and rural organizations, religious communities, and human rights associations. "Never before in Swedish history have over 100 organizations from different sectors of civil society shown such unity for the climate," they said.
Government Policies Under Fire
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's right-wing government has cut petrol taxes and reduced requirements for petrol suppliers to add low-carbon alternatives, drawing criticism from climate experts. Sweden aims to cut transport CO2 emissions by 70% by 2030 from 2010 levels and achieve net-zero by 2045.
However, the government recently rejected a commission's recommendations to meet the 2030 target, which included phasing out fossil fuels by hiking taxes on petrol and diesel. The climate ministry said at the time, "The gradual phase-out of fossil fuels must be carried out in a safe and acceptable way, so as to maintain and strengthen the competitiveness of Sweden and its companies."
Political Context
The protest comes with the government trailing in opinion polls. Climate activist Greta Thunberg has previously led similar actions, including blocking parliament entrances in March 2024 to demand action on climate change.
