10,000 March in Sweden Climate Protest

Around 10,000 people marched in Stockholm, Sweden on August 23 to protest against human-made climate change, just weeks ahead of a general election where the issue is among Swedish voters' top concerns. The protest was organized by various groups, including youth and sporting groups, unions, rural associations, and rights groups.

The Swedish government aims to reduce CO2 emissions from transport by 70% from 2010 levels by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2045. However, experts have warned that the government's climate policy jeopardizes the country's emissions-cutting goals. Since taking power in 2022, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's right-wing government has cut petrol taxes and reduced requirements for petrol suppliers to add low-carbon alternatives to their mix.

Climate campaigner Greta Thunberg joined the rally and stated that there is no party in Sweden proposing politics in line with what science says is needed to avoid a climate disaster. According to a Verian opinion poll, 37% of respondents stated that the election's top priority was climate change.

The right-wing bloc is trailing in opinion polls ahead of the general election, which will be held on September 13. The government has rejected a commission's recommendations on ways to meet the 2030 target, which included phasing out fossil fuels by hiking taxes on petrol and diesel.

## Why it matters The climate protest in Sweden highlights the growing concern among voters about climate change. With the general election looming, the issue is likely to play a significant role in the campaign. The government's climate policy has been criticized by experts, and the rejection of the commission's recommendations has raised concerns about the country's ability to meet its emissions-cutting goals.

The protest also underscores the need for urgent action to address climate change. As Greta Thunberg noted, there is no party in Sweden proposing politics in line with what science says is needed to avoid a climate disaster. The outcome of the general election will be closely watched, as it may have significant implications for Sweden's climate policy and its ability to meet its emissions-cutting goals.

## What happens next The general election in Sweden will be held on September 13, and the issue of climate change is likely to be a key factor in the campaign. The right-wing bloc is trailing in opinion polls, and the government's climate policy has been criticized by experts. The outcome of the election will determine the direction of Sweden's climate policy and its ability to meet its emissions-cutting goals.