Carbon dioxide emissions in Sweden 1970-2023

Sweden produced 35.8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (MtCO₂) from energy use in 2023, the lowest emission levels recorded in the country for more than 50 years. CO₂ emissions in the Scandinavian country have fallen by almost 70 percent since peaking in 1979.

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, nuclear power, and wind power. Renewable sources now account for more than 65 percent of electricity generation in Sweden.

Carbon taxes

Sweden has also long been recognized as an environmental leader, and in 1991 became the second country in the world to introduce a carbon tax. As of March 2024, Sweden had one of the highest carbon taxes worldwide, at over 127.25 U.S. dollars per metric ton of CO₂ equivalent.