Sweden plummets in climate ranking - new record low

For the fourth year in a row, Sweden falls on the global climate ranking Climate Change Performance Index, which is produced in connection with the UN climate meeting COP31 in Antalya, Turkey.

After last year's fall of two places, we now lose two more places, down to 15th place - a new record low for Sweden since the index was created in 2005.

The reason is the Kristersson government's decision in the climate area, which according to the report has moved Sweden further away from the climate goals both in the short term (2030) and in the longer term (2045).

- Sweden was for a long time one of the strongest countries, but in recent years you have lost ground year after year, says Jan Burck at Germanwatch, one of the organizations that produces the index.

He points in particular to the emissions trend, an indicator where Sweden ranks 40 out of 68.

- It is undoubtedly a problem.

Sweden also receives low marks when it comes to climate policy, as well as when it comes to energy use.

Climate Minister Romina Pourmokhtari (L) opposes that high energy consumption per person lowers Sweden's rating.

"Assessing countries' climate performance without considering whether the energy comes from fossil or fossil-free sources naturally gives a completely misleading picture. Sweden already has very low net emissions per person and an energy-intensive industry that requires large amounts of clean electricity, but this is not reflected in the ranking," she writes in a comment to DN.

Sweden was for a long time one of the countries ranked highest or at the top of the index, but now the corresponding position is held by Denmark. The top three places in the index are empty gaps, a kind of signal that no country is yet doing enough, but in fourth place comes Denmark. It is the sixth year in a row that Denmark ranks highest.

Denmark also stands out through several progressive climate laws, including having introduced the world's first emission tax on agriculture. The law comes into force in January 2027. However, Denmark faces criticism for considering extending licenses for oil and gas extraction in the North Sea.

Among the countries that rank higher than Sweden are several European countries – such as Lithuania, Great Britain, the Netherlands and Norway – but also Morocco and Chile.

Jan Burck points out, however, that Sweden continues to rank relatively high - and that Sweden has been one of the countries that fought for a reasonably maintained level of climate work in the EU until 2040.

- It is important that Sweden does not forget its role in international contexts, where relatively small countries can play a big role.

The big surprise in this year's index, however, is neither Sweden's loss nor Denmark's gain, but several countries that are often singled out as villains in the climate context - such as China, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. They still rank low due to their high emissions, but there is another aspect that the CCPI highlights: the degree of electrification.

Everything that is electrified can be converted relatively easily from fossil fuels to renewables, points out Jan Burck, which creates a potential for rapid emission reductions. And all three countries have a relatively high degree of electrification.

Saudi Arabia, which often acts as a brake in the climate negotiations, comes in 65th place on this year's list - fourth last. But with an electrification rate of over 25 percent, emissions can be cut quickly. And the country's investments in renewable energy are increasing rapidly right now, according to Jan Burck.

- It is happening from low levels, but it is hopeful. There is actually an opportunity here, he says.

Among the countries ranked lowest is, unsurprisingly, Donald Trump's USA. Although the country has never been ranked high, due to its high emissions and high energy use - but this year takes place 67 out of 68, behind both Russia and Saudi Arabia. Only one country ranks lower than the United States: Iran.