More than 10,000 people took to the streets of Stockholm on Sunday in a massive demonstration against human-made climate change. The rally, which occurred just weeks before Sweden's 13 September general election, highlights a topic that has become a primary concern for the Swedish electorate.
Organized by a coalition of youth and sporting groups, unions, rural associations, and rights organizations, the protest featured prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg. Addressing the crowd, Thunberg warned that no political party in Sweden is currently proposing policies capable of preventing a climate disaster. She stated, "If we continue like now, we will see collapse; we are already seeing collapse."
The demonstration comes amid mounting pressure from experts who argue that the current government’s policies threaten Sweden's long-term emissions targets, which include a 70 percent reduction in transport-related CO₂ emissions from 2010 levels by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2045. Beatrice Rindevall, head of the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation and a co-organizer of the event, cited the deadly heatwaves across Europe this summer as evidence that immediate action is required. "It is time to put in place a climate policy that reduces emissions right now," she said in a statement.
Since Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s right-wing government took office in 2022, it has implemented measures such as cutting petrol taxes and reducing requirements for suppliers to include low-carbon alternatives. The administration also rejected commission recommendations to meet 2030 goals through higher taxes on fossil fuels, arguing that a gradual phase-out is necessary to maintain the competitiveness of Swedish companies.
Protesters like 21-year-old student Kliff Lindberg expressed relief at the strong turnout, noting that the collective concern provides them with strength. "We are so many people who are concerned about this problem," Lindberg said. "That gives me a lot of strength, and it's beautiful to see, I think."
As the nation approaches the 13 September polls, a recent Verian opinion poll published by the public broadcaster SVT on Thursday indicates that the centre-left opposition holds a 10-percentage-point lead over the ruling right-wing coalition. Notably, 37 percent of respondents identified climate change as their top priority for the upcoming election.
