Dagens industri: Business Network Urges Proactive Climate Policy in Sweden

In a recent opinion piece published in Dagens industri, the business network Hagainitiativet urges all Swedish political parties to prioritize proactive climate policy as a key driver of national competitiveness in the lead-up to the 2026 general election. The network contends that environmental sustainability and economic prosperity are not mutually exclusive, advocating for their synergistic combination. Hagainitiativet further argues that integrating the climate transition with robust national preparedness measures will enhance Sweden's security, strengthen its competitive position, and facilitate the achievement of climate targets within Sweden and the broader EU framework. Hagainitiativet’s appeal underscores the intertwined challenges of the escalating climate crisis and growing geopolitical instability. While acknowledging the slow pace of global emissions reductions, the network highlights NATO's emphasis on Sweden's need for resilience in critical sectors such as electricity, transportation, and food security. Climate change, they assert, poses a significant threat to global stability, yet the climate transition simultaneously presents considerable economic opportunities. The network cites over 800 billion kronor in planned green industrial projects within Sweden, projects anticipated to generate tens of thousands of jobs and significantly enhance national competitiveness. The article emphasizes the potential for businesses to leverage innovation, bio-based solutions, and circular business models to simultaneously reduce emissions, improve profitability, and enhance operational resilience. Hagainitiativet's member companies, spanning diverse industries, recognize the advantages of an ambitious climate agenda but emphasize the necessity of clear, long-term political frameworks to guide investment and innovation. The transport sector is specifically identified as a critical area for both emissions reduction and bolstering national preparedness, with a call to accelerate electrification and promote the utilization of biofuels. The network advocates for raising the reduction obligation (