Novus’ annual climate and energy report maps Swedes’ views on the climate, sustainability and Sweden’s energy transition. The report aims to give a fact-based picture of public attitudes and how they change over time, and to serve as a basis for those working on climate and energy issues.

This year’s climate and energy report shows that climate engagement remains at a relatively high level: six in ten think it is important to reduce their own carbon footprint, and two in three are worried about climate change. At the same time, knowledge remains low about what measures are actually being taken for Sweden to reach its climate targets. The report also shows that Swedes have strong faith in energy sources such as rooftop solar panels and hydropower, but that confidence in the robustness of the energy system is weak, with many doubting Sweden’s ability to secure electricity and heating in the event of a major disruption.

Climate engagement is stable but appears to have reached a plateau

The share who say it is important to reduce their own carbon footprint remains at 60 per cent, suggesting that climate engagement among the public is relatively stable but not growing. At the same time, the climate issue has been high on the agenda for several years. This may indicate that public opinion is now in a more stable phase, where further mobilisation requires new kinds of incentives or concrete solutions in people’s everyday lives.

A clear knowledge gap on climate policy and measures

While the climate issue engages many people, knowledge of what politicians, industry and the energy sector are actually doing to reach the climate targets is relatively low. This points to a possible communication gap between the measures taken and the public’s perception. If people do not know what is being done, it risks affecting both trust in and acceptance of the transition.

The energy transition is perceived differently depending on values and politics

The results still show clear links between views on energy, party preferences and attitudes to different energy sources. For example, support for nuclear power is higher among groups that are generally less worried about climate change, while support for renewable energy sources is stronger among those who express high levels of climate concern. This suggests that the energy issue is not only about technology or the climate, but also about political and value-based dividing lines.

Energy solutions that people can influence themselves or benefit from directly in their own household have broader acceptance

Rooftop solar panels are the energy source that most people are positive about and that most people want to see more of in the future. This suggests that decentralised, people-centred solutions may have particularly strong legitimacy in public opinion. Energy solutions that people can influence themselves or benefit from directly in their own household can therefore play an important role in acceptance of the energy transition.

Concern about the robustness of the energy system may affect the energy debate

While many believe that Sweden can produce enough energy, confidence is significantly lower when it comes to the system’s robustness in crises or disruptions. The fact that a majority do not believe the energy system is sufficiently prepared may mean that issues of security of supply and preparedness become increasingly important in the energy debate going forward.

Read this year’s report here (in Swedish):