The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has issued sharp criticism against the Swedish government, accusing it of showing disinterest in climate policy matters. The criticism comes as the Climate Policy Council prepares to release its annual report on Thursday assessing the government's work toward climate goals.
According to WWF senior advisor Martin Wadmark, the organization sees a pattern of the government "stepping back" from climate leadership. "We think it shows that they are stepping back and don't want to drive climate policy," Wadmark stated, adding that the government sends signals that "testify to a lack of interest in the climate issue."
We think it shows that they are stepping back and don't want to drive climate policy
The criticism focuses on several instances where government representatives have been absent from key climate events. Climate and Environment Minister Romina Pourmokhtari (L) missed the COP30 climate summit in Brazil in November 2025 due to pregnancy, with no other minister replacing her. Last year, when the Climate Policy Council presented its review of the government's climate policy, no minister attended.
This year, Pourmokhtari is on parental leave and her deputy Johan Britz will not attend the report presentation either. Instead, State Secretary Helena Dyrssen will receive the Climate Policy Council's report.
testify to a lack of interest in the climate issue
The Climate Policy Council's upcoming report is expected to show that Sweden's climate transition is progressing too slowly and will provide clear recommendations on what is needed to meet climate goals, particularly with the 2030 perspective in mind.