Carbon dioxide emissions in Sweden 1970-2021

Sweden produced 40.1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions in 2021, a reduction of nearly seven percent compared to 2020 levels. CO₂ emissions in Sweden have fallen considerably since peaking in 1979, and since 1990 they have reduced by more than 40 percent. As of 2019, Sweden had the lowest greenhouse gas emissions per capita in the European Union, at 5.2 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent.

Clean energy in Sweden

The main reason for Sweden’s low emission levels is the country's reliance on clean energy sources. The majority of the Swedish power supply comes from hydroelectric and nuclear power, as well as wind power. Renewable sources now account for more than 66 percent of electricity generation in Sweden.

Carbon taxes

  Sweden has long been recognized as an environmental leader, and in 1991 became the second country in the world to introduce a carbon tax. As of April 2021, Sweden had the highest carbon tax worldwide at 137 U.S. dollars per metric ton of CO₂ equivalent.