Stockholm has unveiled two strategic documents that will shape its path to a greener future: the Environment Programme 2030, released in September 2024, and the Climate Action Plan 2030, adopted in December 2024. These interlinked strategies guide the city’s efforts to become fossil-free, climate-resilient, and environmentally sound by 2040.

The Environment Programme 2030 sets the foundation for a healthy and sustainable Stockholm, with goals addressing air quality, green spaces, biodiversity, sustainable consumption and climate mitigation. The Climate Action Plan 2030 builds on this foundation with 150 specific measures designed to rapidly reduce emissions and ensure an inclusive transition.

Together, they reflect Stockholm’s long-standing ambition to lead Europe in climate and environmental action – a legacy rooted in its recognition as the first European Green Capital in 2010.

A strong track record of green leadership

Since 1990, Stockholm has reduced per capita greenhouse gas emissions by 70%, thanks to decades of cooperation between local authorities, businesses and academia. These new plans aim to build on that progress and tackle the most difficult final stretch to achieve full decarbonisation.

Acting Mayor Anders Österberg emphasised:

“It is imperative that we act decisively to reduce emissions and protect our city from the severe consequences of climate change. This transition is not only about safeguarding our future, it’s also about strengthening resilience, creating a more competitive business environment, and promoting greater equality.”

Five key transition areas for a green and just future

Both plans are structured around five core transition areas that guide Stockholm’s path forward:

1. A just and inclusive transition
   • Ensure no one is left behind in the green shift, with special focus on vulnerable groups and equitable access to opportunities.
2. Fossil-free and climate-positive energy
   • Phase out fossil fuels, promote energy efficiency and invest in local renewable energy solutions and carbon capture technologies.
3. Sustainable and fossil-free transport
   • Expand walking, cycling and electrified public transport while reducing dependence on private car use.
4. Circular and sustainable urban development
   • Integrate circular economy principles into planning, construction and land use. Prioritise green infrastructure and biodiversity.
5. Reduced climate impact from consumption
   • Encourage sustainable choices in goods and services, especially within municipal operations, to tackle indirect emissions.

Tracking progress with a carbon budget

To ensure accountability, Stockholm is implementing a carbon emissions budget that limits the city’s emissions to nine million tonnes of CO₂-equivalent between 2024 and 2040. This tool will act as a “climate compass,” guiding decisions and helping measure impact.

Looking ahead: A global model for urban environmental leadership

By 2030, Stockholm aims to:

• Reduce emissions from energy use and transport by 80%
• Halve consumption-based emissions
• Become fully fossil-free by 2040

These targets are grounded in the belief that cities bear both the responsibility and capacity to lead climate action – but that success must also protect biodiversity, restore natural ecosystems and improve residents’ quality of life.

With the Environment Programme and Climate Action Plan 2030, Stockholm sets a comprehensive example for cities worldwide. It shows how integrated environmental governance – across air, water, land use, mobility and energy – is key to achieving a just and sustainable future.

Read more

To explore the full details of Stockholm’s newly launched Climate Action Plan, you can read the official announcement and access the complete Climate Action Plan 2030. Additional context on Stockholm’s climate and environmental governance provides insight into how the city is structured to support sustainability.

At the European level, the European Commission’s climate action portal outlines the EU’s climate strategy, while the EU Mission on 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030 supports pioneering cities like Stockholm. The European Green Deal details actions for a sustainable future, complemented by the Urban Agenda for the EU – Climate Adaptation Partnership, which promotes urban resilience. 

For further reading, the role of cities in EU climate policy offers a deeper look at how local action contributes to continental goals.