Summary

This book, edited by Karin Bäckstrand, Jens Marquardt, Naghmeh Nasiritouis and Oscar Widerberg, focuses on Sweden and examines how, and under what conditions, states – in collaboration with non-state actors – can govern a societal transformation toward large-scale decarbonization in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

“The Politics and Governance of Decarbonization – the interplay between state and non-state actors in Sweden” analyzes Sweden’s progress toward net-zero emissions, its role in international climate governance, and how the COVID-19 pandemic affected climate networks.

The book provides valuable policy insights for other countries endeavoring to decarbonize and is one of a series of publications associated with the Earth System Governance Project.

Background

Despite the unprecedented threat posed by climate change, more than three decades of international diplomacy and government action have so far failed to sufficiently address the problem. The implementation of available know-how and technologies has been incremental and inadequate. To achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, the world needs to undertake large-scale societal transformations toward decarbonization, which will require mobilizing multiple actors to achieve in a just, legitimate, and effective manner. Analysing the complex relations between state and non-state actors is crucial to understanding and further the implementation of the Paris Agreement climate goals.

Sweden as a case study

• Sweden is considered a frontrunner in international climate politics and is viewed historically as a pioneer in environmental politics. It can been seen as a test bed for implementing collaborative climate governance to achieve a decarbonized society.
• This book places particular focus on understanding the interplay between state and non-state actors in the politics and governance of decarbonization by empirically examining how the state governs through collaborative climate governance.
• Achieving decarbonization is a complex process, requiring action across multiple levels (national, regional, local) and engagement with both state and non-state actors (businesses, civil society).
• Post-Paris Agreement climate governance has emphasized voluntary, collaborative approaches to build consensus and encourage action beyond traditional regulation and market-based policies.
• Sweden’s mobilization of different public and private actors on multiple levels is, however, characterized not only by cooperative action and collaborative relationships but also by tensions and conflicts.

Citation

Bäckstrand K, Marquardt J, Nasiritousi N, Widerberg O, eds. The Politics and Governance of Decarbonization: The Interplay between State and Non-State Actors in Sweden. Cambridge University Press; 2024. doi.org/10.1017/9781009301558