In June 2017, the Riksdag adopted a new climate policy framework for Sweden by a large majority. The aim of the framework is to ensure the long-term conditions for business and society to implement the transition required for Sweden to achieve its climate targets. The framework brings order and clarity to climate policy and is a key component of Sweden’s efforts to meet the global Paris Agreement. The climate policy framework comprises three parts: the climate targets, the Climate Act and the Climate Policy Council. The Climate Act enshrines in law that the Government’s climate policy work must be based on the long-term climate target and sets out how this work is to be conducted. The Climate Policy Council is an independent, interdisciplinary expert body. The Council has eight members with high scientific expertise in relevant fields and is supported by a secretariat with four staff members. According to the Government’s instructions, the Climate Policy Council’s mandate is to “assess how the Government’s overall policy is consistent with the climate targets decided by the Riksdag and the Government”. Within the framework of this overall mandate, the Climate Policy Council shall in particular:
• assess whether the direction of various relevant policy areas contributes to orhinders the achievement of climate targets
• highlight the effects of adopted and proposed policy instruments from a broad societal perspective
• identify policy areas where further measures are needed
• analyse how the targets can be achieved in a cost-effective manner, both in the short and long term
• evaluate the evidence and models on which the Government bases its policy
• contribute to increased public debate on climate policy. By 31 March each year, the Climate Policy Council shall submit a report to the Government. The report shall contain the Climate Policy Council’s assessment of the progress of climate work and emissions trends, as well as how the Government’s policies are consistent with the climate targets. Every four years,when the Government presents its climate policy action plan, the Climate Policy Council shall assess the plan.
