Sweden Scraps United Nation’s Agenda 2030

Beyond its beautiful landscapes and rich history, Sweden is popular for its progressive stance. The country recently abandoned renewable energy plans in favour of embracing increased nuclear power. A few weeks into the new year, the Swedish government scrapped climate taxes on fuel, resulting in a substantial 39 percent reduction in diesel costs.

Under the previous administration in 2022, diesel prices skyrocketed to 28 SEK (€2.46) per litre. However, the current right-wing government’s decision to remove climate taxes saw prices fall to nearly 17 SEK (€1.50) per litre.

Other policy changes continue to follow. The new government has made substantial cuts to the budget earmarked for municipalities and regions collaborating on Agenda 2030, a global initiative focused on sustainable development.

The United Nations Agenda 2030, formally known as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, is a global initiative adopted by all 193 member states of the United Nations in September 2015. The agenda outlines a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with 169 targets, aiming to address a range of global challenges and promote sustainable development.

The key focus areas of Agenda 2030 include ending poverty and hunger, ensuring good health and well-being, achieving quality education, promoting gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, economic growth, industry innovation, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, climate action, and life below water and on land, among others.

During the Christmas holidays, Sweden scrapped Agenda 2030 goals from directives to key organizations, including the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management, the Swedish Energy Agency, and the Swedish Food Agency.

This strategic realignment has found support from the right-wing Swedish Democrats, who commend the move away from Agenda 2030. Martin Kinnunen, the environment and climate spokesperson for the Swedish Democrats, shared their stance, noting, “Generally, we don’t see any added value with the Agenda 2030 work and welcome the development.”

Further explaining, he says: “During the reign of the Social Democrats and the Green Party, Agenda 2030 and gender equality have been put in place everywhere, and we do not think that is one of the most important tasks for authorities,” he added. Veering away from global sustainability goals, Sweden takes charge of its environmental trajectory.

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