Carbon dioxide emissions in Sweden 1970-2020

Sweden produced 45.4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions in 2020, a reduction of nearly four percent compared to 2019 levels. CO2 emissions in Sweden have fallen considerably since peaking in 1979, and since 1990 they have reduced by more than 30 percent. As of 2018, Sweden had the lowest greenhouse gas emissions per capita in the European Union, at 5.4 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 60 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.