Climate City Contract 2030 is a collective effort to achieve the climate transition that we need to implement in a short time to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees. It is an agreement between municipalities, government agencies and Viable Cities where all parties undertake to make a concrete contribution to increasing the pace of climate change.
The transition to climate-neutral and sustainable cities requires unprecedented cooperation between citizens, politicians, businesses and civil servants. National, regional and local levels must work in new ways, in the same direction and together to achieve climate-neutral cities. And it needs to happen faster.
The contract is a tool to achieve this. It is a long-term commitment that secures cooperation between cities and the national level. As there is no clear way forward, we need to test the waters, so Climate City Contract 2030 develops gradually. The content is revised every year, both at local and national level. And that process of working together is constantly changing.
Climate City Contract 2030 is a process that we create together - not a bureaucratic document to be signed and filed.
The tool was developed in 2020 within the Viable Cities initiative Climate Neutral Cities 2030. It was first signed in December 2020 by the political leadership of the then nine cities in the initiative, as well as the directors general of the Swedish Energy Agency Formas, Vinnova and the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth. Two more government agencies have joined since then: the Swedish Transport Administration and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.
Twenty-three Swedish municipalities are now part of the Climate Neutral Cities 2030 initiative. They are all working to further develop the tool to sign revised and sharper Climate City Contract 2030 every December on European Viable Cities Day.
With seven years left to achieve the mission of climate-neutral cities by 2030, radical implementation is required. In 23 Swedish pioneering cities, many initiatives are currently underway that contribute to the transition in various ways. Local businesses are mobilizing together with municipalities, new ways to govern and lead the transition are being developed, solutions that drastically reduce emissions are being disseminated and climate ideas from citizens are becoming reality. European Viable Cities Day, on December 8, will celebrate successes to date and sharpen future climate action.
Borlänge municipality
- In Borlänge there is a very broad consensus that we should work together to achieve the climate goals. Next year we will increase the pace further. The municipality will be an enabler for citizens and business to act sustainably and climate-smart," says Erik Nises (S), member of the municipal board Chairman, Borlänge municipality.
Borås municipality
- A year ago, Borås City signed Climate City Contract 2030 for the first time. During the year, we have developed valuable collaborations, for example with the real estate and construction sector. With our partners in the Climate Neutral Borås 2030 initiative, we have conducted several dialogues with both residents and the business community. We have worked out a green economic framework that enables the City of Borås to finance sustainable investments. Climate City Contract 2030 and our participation in the Viable Cities program gives us a continued important contact area for local, regional and national collaboration on the biggest challenge of our time - the climate issue," says Ulf Olsson (S), Member of the Municipal Board Chairman in the City of Borås.
Enköping municipality
- Enköping is transforming with the conviction that every step counts. We strive to be a pioneer in sustainability, where every resident is part of our green vision for the future," says Peter Book (M), Chairman of the Municipal Board Chairman in Enköping.
Eskilstuna municipality
- Viable Cities is a strong platform for our local efforts to change. With our local goal of becoming climate positive by 2045, all collaborations, commitments and efforts we can jointly participate and take part in are necessary. Viable Cities contributes both to competition and a spur in this work. Just as it should be when it is at its best and you want to get results," says Jimmy Jansson (S), member of the municipal board Chairman in Eskilstuna municipality.
Gävle municipality
- Viable Cities has become an obvious collaboration for us, where we can share but also get new inspiration on how the climate work can be integrated even more in our management and governance models to realize our goal, a climate neutral Gävle. The collaboration arena that Viable Cities is, has become an important part for us to be even more successful in the transition work, says Åsa Wiklund Lång (S), member of the municipal board Chairman in Gävle municipality.
City of Gothenburg
- The climate does not wait. The green transition must take place now. In order to increase the pace of the transition and ensure that the measures implemented have a greater impact, collaboration and a strong capacity for innovation are required. Gothenburg is at the forefront of this work and is currently carrying out several influential test and innovation projects that will help us to become climate neutral by 2030. The climate contract is also an important way forward for us to achieve our goal," says Jonas Attenius (S), Member of the City Council Chairman in Gothenburg.
Helsingborgs stad
- For us in Helsingborg, "together" is a key word as we know that it is the cooperation with business, academia and civil society that gives us the power to accelerate the transition. The Helsingborg Declaration is one of many examples. Last summer, we launched a framework for sustainable bonds linked to planned investments for the Group's transition. This fall, in broad collaboration, we have set clear targets and measures for each emissions sector, which will be adopted in the city's new climate and energy plan at the end of next year," says Christian Orsing (M), member of the municipal executive board Chairman in Helsingborg.
Järfälla Municipality
- Järfälla's environmental work continues to be at the forefront, and as proof of this, we were named the third best municipality in Sweden for the environment earlier this year. Best in the region. Our revised and ambitious environmental plan is the basis for our continued work, and together with the business community, academia and municipal residents, we will continue to be a pioneer in climate work. The climate contract is an important link between Järfälla's local climate work and the collaboration required with other municipalities and government agencies to achieve the goal of climate-neutral cities," says Aphram Melki (C ), municipal councillor in Järfälla.
Kalmar Municipality
- In Kalmar, we continue to step up our climate work and are working hard on several fronts. There is a strong political will in the municipality to grow sustainably and right now this is reflected in investments and ongoing establishment of large production facilities for biogas and solar parks. We are also working to raise the climate requirements in construction contracts. Over the next year, the work will continue together with business, residents and Viable Cities. It is with confidence in the future that we sign Climate City Contract 2023, says Johan Persson (S), member of the municipal board Chairman in Kalmar.
Karlstad Municipality
- It is about giving our young people hope for the future! It is one of our most important tasks and it is so important that we show our children and grandchildren that we will fix this. We have solved crises before and we will take our responsibility now," says Linda Larsson (S), Member of the Municipal Executive Board Chairman in Karlstad Municipality. What also makes me really proud as a Karlstad resident is that during the year we have launched both the local Climate City Contract and Rundgång, a circular pop-up gallery, as part of the work with Climate Neutral Karlstad 2030.
Kristianstad Municipality
- Kristianstad Municipality has raised its ambitions in this year's climate contract by focusing more clearly on the transition of the food system and strengthening collaboration with local actors. "We are a food municipality and we should be proud of that. We should also be proud of the transition that we can make together with our traders. I am confident about the future because there are so many of us now who want to change," says Camilla Palm (M), Chair of Kristianstad City Council Chairman .
Linköpings kommun
- Linköping is a city where universities, business, civil society and public organisations work together to make ideas become reality. Together, by thinking new and being brave, we try to meet our societal challenges and create a life-friendly city where people thrive. A confirmation of this is that this year we have been named Europe's most innovative city by the iCapital Awards in the category European Rising Innovative City," says Mikael Sanfridson (S) Mayor of Linköping.
Lund Municipality
- Being named Sweden's most environmentally friendly municipality is an obligation. We are now continuing the work by increasing the pace and doing what we do well even more. But also by learning from others and thus further sharpening our climate work," says Anders Almgren (S), member of the municipal executive board Chairman in Lund.
City of Malmö
- Cities play a central role in addressing environmental and climate issues. At the same time, it is clear that climate change knows no borders. Collaboration with business, civil society, academia and all Malmö residents, but also with other cities and national actors, is directly crucial if we are to achieve our bold and ambitious environmental and climate goals," says Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh (S), Member of the Municipal Board Chairman in Malmö.
Mariestad Municipality
- The climate contract helps us, together with other cities, government agencies and Viable Cities, to accelerate the climate transition work that needs to take place at different levels, locally, regionally and nationally. Collaboration is essential in the climate transition and is a necessity, as no single actor has all the solutions or has the power to do this on its own. Locally in Mariestad, we have just started our biggest development journey in modern times, as a result of AB Volvo's establishment of a battery factory. This establishment, together with several other ongoing and green establishments, provides a unique power, inspiration and opportunities to make climate-smart investments, create good habits and implement the climate transition in a way that creates benefits for both the business community and our citizens, says Johan Abrahamsson (M), municipal executive Chairman in Mariestad.
Nacka Municipality
- For the third time, Nacka has been named Sweden's most robust municipality, the municipality that best manages crises and rapid changes such as recession and climate change. We work broadly to create sustainable, climate-smart and safe solutions for everyone, and we are very determined and persistent. Viable Cities helps us to develop the municipality in an innovative and sustainable way," says Mats Gerdau (M), Chairman of the Municipal Board Chairman in Nacka Municipality.
Skellefteå municipality
- When we grow as fast as we do, we have a responsibility, and high ambitions, to do so in a sustainable way. We get there through cooperation, responsibility and innovations, which the climate contract and the work with Climate Neutral Cities 2030 are good examples of. Our updated Climate City Contract 2023 is based on what we have developed during the year, including our new environment and climate program and energy plan. The contract shows how we will work in concrete terms and will also serve as a platform for cooperation with those government agencies with whom we sign the contract," says Evelina Fahlesson (S), municipal councillor in Skellefteå.
City of Stockholm
- The world's carbon dioxide emissions are increasing to record levels. Action is needed and Swedish cities want to make a difference. Stockholm should be a world leader in reducing its emissions and be a role model for others. Our goal is for Stockholm to be climate-positive by 2030. The climate contract creates a basis for municipalities and government agencies to help remove obstacles to the climate transition," says Karin Wanngård (S), Mayor of Finance in Stockholm, Member of the Municipal Executive Board Chairman.
Umeå municipality
- "Umeå's efforts to reduce its climate emissions can only be achieved together and with the support of national actors and the EU. Climate City Contract 2030 clarifies how and in which areas government agencies and Umeå municipality must work together to achieve our joint climate transition," says Hans Lindberg (S), member of the municipal executive board Chairman of Umeå municipality, Chairman in Umeå.
Uppsala Municipality
- Achieving climate neutrality by 2030 requires a collective effort, and this is where Viable Cities play a crucial role. We need to be inspired and learn from each other, but also have the courage to lead the way and do that little bit extra that is needed to make the transition a success. Together we are shaping a more sustainable future," says Erik Pelling (S), Member of the Municipal Executive Board Chairman in Uppsala Municipality.
Växjö municipality
- In Växjö, we have good experience of the positive effects of climate change on society as a whole. The transition to a bio-based energy system benefited local forest owners and contributed to reduced vulnerability and increased economic growth. I am convinced that the transition we need to make in the transport sector will also bring positive effects in the form of increased attractiveness, fewer accidents and better public health. To reach the Climate Contract's goal of climate neutrality by 2030, Växjö is dependent on decisions made by the government, parliament and the EU. Together with the other 22 municipalities, we can therefore become a force that influences decisions in the right direction so that local climate goals can be achieved," says Malin Lauber (S), member of the municipal board Chairman in Växjö municipality.
Örebro municipality
- With the signing of the Climate Contract, Örebro municipality renews our position that we are in the fight to make our cities sustainable. Our work with energy efficiency improvements, the transition to sustainable travel and transport and reducing the climate footprint from construction continues," says John Johansson (S), member of the municipal executive board Chairman in Örebro.
Östersund Municipality
- Transition work in Östersund creates added value in the form of increased quality of life, competitiveness and innovation capacity. We get an outlet for our ingenuity and creativity, while mobilizing towards a common goal. Climate City Contract 2030 is of great importance for our transition work. It commits us to making the necessary shifts, even if it is far from easy. The contract is our local roadmap towards a good life for everyone in Östersund", says Niklas Daoson (S), Member of the Municipal Board Chairman in Östersund.
- A lot is happening in Östersund and we are taking several steps in parallel. In the next step, we will, among other things, accelerate and broaden our regional Transition Arena for the climate. We also need to work more purposefully with building and construction to reduce our emissions. We will implement a new climate strategy and work with citizen dialogue to promote a transition to sustainable passenger transport. Last but not least, we will continue the work to integrate the climate perspective in the budget work in the municipality, says Niklas Daoson (S), member of the municipal board Chairman in Östersund.
- The transition work in Östersund creates added value in the form of increased quality of life, competitiveness and innovation capacity. We get an outlet for our ingenuity and creativity, while mobilizing towards a common goal", says KSO, Niklas Daoson (S).
- Climate City Contract 2030 is of great importance for our transition work. It commits us to making the necessary shifts, even if it is far from easy. The contract is our local roadmap towards a good life for everyone in Östersund", says KSO Niklas Daoson (S).
- These 23 cities are home to 40% of Sweden's population. This means that a significant part of the Swedish population is leading the way and paving the way for the rest. It speeds up and gives more power to the transition we all face", says KSO, Niklas Daoson (S).
Swedish Energy Agency
- The energy and climate transition requires increased co-creation and gathering around common goals. The Climate Contract is an important instrument that strengthens Sweden's public sector by developing new working methods and capabilities for an accelerated transition. The work is basically about involving, equipping and, through innovations, increasing the ability of local and regional actors to accelerate the green transition," says Robert Andrén, Director General of the Swedish Energy Agency.
Formas
- Climate City Contract 2030 helps us government agencies and municipalities to work more together and increase our areas of cooperation. This will enable us to strengthen our mutual ability to accelerate the transition. From Formas' perspective, we see it as very important to develop our working methods to accelerate development together with the municipalities towards more sustainable cities and communities," says Johan Kuylenstierna, Director General of Formas.
Naturvårdsverket
- The climate contract plays an important role in the climate transition. Here we identify which municipalities are prepared to take the lead and show the way. The conditions for success in the climate transition have improved in several respects in recent years. The options for action have become more numerous and cheaper, the willingness to invest in the business community is great, and there are more funds to apply for from Klimatklivet," says Björn Risinger, Director General of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.
Tillväxtverket
- Climate City Contract 2030 is an agreement and collection of forces for the green transition, for municipalities and national government agencies. But I would say that this agreement is much broader than that! The green transition is not only crucial for the climate, but also for maintaining and strengthening the competitiveness of companies. We at the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth are contributing to the green transition through our coordination of efforts with other state government agencies, regions, municipalities and business actors," says Elisabeth Backteman, Director General of the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth.
- The Climate Contract 2030 is an agreement and collective effort for the green transition, for municipalities and national agencies. I would say that this agreement is however much broader than that! The green transition is not just crucial for the climate, but also to maintain and strengthen the competitiveness of our companies. We at The Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth contribute to the green transition by coordinating efforts with other state agencies, regions, municipalities and business organizations, Elisabeth Backteman, Director General of the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth.
Trafikverket
- Right now the EU is driving the climate transition in a very positive way. But this must be combined with additional measures at national, regional and local level. The EU does not have all the tools. In the field of transport, cooperation between different actors is particularly important and the Climate Contracts are another area to increase the important cooperation between the Swedish Transport Administration and the municipalities. We develop society together," says Roberto Maiorana, Director General of the Swedish Transport Administration.
Vinnova
- Climate contracts have great potential to contribute to the transition of cities and municipalities to become climate neutral. The initiative on system demonstrators, where Lund Municipality and the City of Stockholm received funding to develop powerful tools for transition, will strengthen the work of all 23 cities Climate City Contract. We will also gain important knowledge from the investment in smart policy development that Vinnova is making together with other government agencies and cities in Climate City Contract 2030. This aims to identify and analyze policy-related obstacles to cities' climate transition, says Darja Isaksson, Director General of Vinnova.
Borlänge municipality
- In Borlänge there is a very broad consensus that we should work together to achieve the climate goals. Next year we will increase the pace further. The municipality will be an enabler for citizens and business to act sustainably and climate-smart," says Erik Nises (S), member of the municipal board Chairman, Borlänge municipality.
Municipality of Borås
- Borås will be a sustainable and climate-neutral city by 2030, and achieving this goal requires both courage and innovation. Here, all good forces need to work together - municipalities, business, academia and civil society, with Viable Cities as a common arena, our chances of success increase. The climate contract shows that we are serious about Borås City's commitment and that we want to move in a climate-smart direction together with others," says Ulf Olsson (S), Municipal Executive Board Chairman in Borås.
Municipality of Enköping
- Enköping wants to show that a municipality can grow, increase its population and still reduce its environmental impact. The climate contract gives us a roadmap for our transition. We will continue to work on creating a sustainable district in the Myran area, take advantage of the opportunities of digitalization and involve residents, businesses and civil society," says Peter Book, Chairman of the Municipal Board Chairman, Enköping Municipality.
Municipality of Eskilstuna
- We continue to play our local part in the transition. In collaboration with the business community that is driving it and with our citizens. In a way that creates commitment and participation. Desire instead of fear. To show the outside world and everyone who needs to do more that it is possible. And we also show this by signing the climate contract," says Jimmy Jansson (S), Chairman of the Municipal Board Chairman, Eskilstuna Municipality.
Municipality of Gävle
- "A year in Viable Cities has given us new insights into the fact that climate work needs to be better integrated into policy, management, governance models and budget if we are to realize our goal of a climate-neutral Gävle. We see the opportunity to jointly continue to pursue difficult development issues within Viable Cities, the collaboration with the authorities that exists there is crucial for us to be successful in the transition work, says Åsa Wiklund Lång, municipal board Chairman Gävle municipality.
City of Gothenburg
- The climate issue affects us all and the responsibility for reducing our footprint is both personal and collective. Gothenburg and West Sweden are at the forefront of the transition. This applies not least to the electrification of the entire transport sector - whether traveling by air, land or sea. Therefore, it is also obvious for the City of Gothenburg to become a climate-neutral city by 2030," says Axel Josefson, Chairman of the Gothenburg City Council Chairman .
City of Helsingborg
- Helsingborg is giving special priority to collaborative innovation to achieve climate neutrality by 2030. Working together with other Swedish and European cities, business, academia and residents is important. We are one of 100 selected cities in the EU to lead the transition to climate neutrality. We are doing this with high ambition, innovation and a strong force for change. I am pleased to now sign the climate contract for the city of Helsingborg and strengthen the collaboration with the six government agencies that also sign," says Christian Orsing, member of the municipal board Chairman in Helsingborg.
Järfälla municipality
- Järfälla is one of Sweden's fastest growing municipalities, which creates both challenges and opportunities in the climate transition. We have high ambitions and together with the business community, academia and citizens, we want to continue to be a pioneer in climate work and test new approaches and solutions. The climate contract is an important link between Järfälla's local climate work and the collaboration required with other municipalities and government agencies to achieve the goal of climate-neutral cities," says Eva Ullberg, member of the municipal board Chairman in Järfälla.
Kalmar Municipality
- We want to show how a growing municipality - with all its challenges and opportunities - can accelerate the climate transition locally, but also contribute regionally, nationally and internationally. There is a strong political will in Kalmar municipality to grow sustainably. This is reflected not least in the concrete investments made in close collaboration with external actors and the many important national and international networks we are part of. It is in the power of many that we can reverse trends and achieve a climate-neutral and climate-positive future, so it is with faith in the future and confidence that we sign Climate City Contract 2030," says Johan Persson, member of the municipal board Chairman.
Municipality of Karlstad
- 2030 is closer than we think. If we are to meet the climate targets, it is important that the municipalities lead the way in the climate transition. Karlstad Municipality has high ambitions in the environmental and climate area and in this work, Climate City Contract 2030 is an important part of how we, together with others, can succeed in the transition to a more sustainable society," says Linda Larsson (S), Municipal Executive Board Chairman of Karlstad Municipality.
Municipality of Kristianstad
- Food is a strong profile area for Kristianstad Municipality. We want to increase the self-sufficiency of food and at the same time reduce the climate impact in agriculture. Through the climate contract, we can raise our ambitions in the climate transition and strengthen cooperation both locally, nationally and internationally," says Camilla Palm (M) of the Municipal Executive Board Chairman Kristianstad Municipality.
Municipality of Linköping
- Linköping's strength is close and innovative collaboration between the public sector, business, academia and society. We benefit from this when it comes to the climate transition. Linköping municipality as an organization serves as a good example and hub that can get more people to easily act on the challenges we have identified in our newly adopted Climate and Energy Program, says Mikael Sanfridson (S), Mayor of Linköping.
Lund municipality
- "In Lund, the climate issue is highly prioritized and we want to be a role model, not only nationally, but also internationally as the global climate city of the year in WWF's city challenge and one of the EU's 100 climate-neutral cities by 2030. By signing Climate City Contract 2030, we continue to raise our ambitions," says Anders Almgren (S), Member of the Municipal Executive Board Chairman, Lund Municipality.
City of Malmö
- The cities of the future must be sustainable cities. In Malmö, we have long been working on the green transition in broad collaboration with business, civil society and Malmö residents. Climate City Contract 2030 is another step in this, where the local work is linked to the national one," says Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh, member of the municipal executive board Chairman, City of Malmö.
Municipality of Mariestad
- Mariestad has long had a clear climate focus through long-term and purposeful work on innovation, industrial renewal and green transition. We are the small municipality that dares to think big. Through the investment in the Electrivillage test and demonstration site, we have tested new technologies in a public environment to find solutions to our common challenges.
"With Climate City Contract 2030, we reinforce our intentions to continue to be a responsible actor for a sustainable society for all," says Johan Abrahamsson, member of the municipal board Chairman in Mariestad.
Nacka municipality
- In Nacka there is a very strong commitment to the climate issue, where collaboration is an important prerequisite for moving forward in sustainability development. There is great interest from both the business community and construction actors, and Central Nacka should be the place that gives these actors the opportunity to test new solutions and innovations, says Mats Gerdau, Municipal Executive Board Chairman.
Municipality of Skellefteå
- A year ago, we signed the letter of intent to develop the Climate Contract until 2022. Over the past year, the work with the contract and Climate Neutral Skellefteå 2030 has helped us to connect different efforts in our growth journey, where together is one of our key words. Sustainability issues are an obvious part of both establishments and the development of the existing Skellefteå, and through the work with the contract they become even clearer and more long-term. At the same time, the process has only just begun. We look forward to continuing to benefit from the cooperation within Climate Neutral Cities 2030, says Lorents Burman (S) Municipal Executive Board Chairman, Skellefteå municipality.
City of Stockholm
- The world is in a climate emergency. Cities have an important role in the transition, and Stockholm should be a world leader in reducing its emissions and be a role model for others. Our goal is for Stockholm to be climate positive by 2030. To achieve this, the climate contract is an important way forward, both for gathering the city's stakeholders and for the dialogue with the government authorities," says Karin Wanngård, Mayor of Finance in Stockholm.
Umeå municipality
- We here in Umeå are dependent on the outside world to achieve our local climate goals. Climate City Contract 2030 is not only an important channel for spreading good examples between cities. It is also a channel where the municipalities can highlight opportunities and obstacles to the transition so that actors in the world around us, such as the state or the EU, can improve the conditions for us," says Hans Lindberg (S), member of the municipal board Chairman of Umeå municipality.
Uppsala municipality
- The green transition creates many new jobs and is one of our highest priority tasks. Uppsala will be climate-neutral by 2030 and Viable Cities gives us an important platform for cooperation in this work with both government agencies and other municipalities," says Erik Pelling (S), member of the Municipal Executive Board Chairman.
Växjö municipality
- The municipalities are engines in Sweden's climate transition. In Climate City Contract 2030, we collect the strategies that are necessary to accelerate and enable the transition to a climate-neutral Växjö in 2030. In this way, the climate contract contributes to making Växjö a fantastic place to live and work for residents, entrepreneurs and visitors - today and in the future," says Pernilla Tornéus (M), member of the municipal executive board Chairman, Växjö municipality.
Örebro municipality
- Örebro is a growing city, and it goes without saying that we are working to build our city and our municipality in the most sustainable way possible. The future lies in being able to build for the future while working to achieve long-term climate goals at both local and global level. We want to see more business establishments and want more people to choose Örebro as their place to live and work. To achieve this, we need to work actively for sustainable social development," says John Johansson (S), chairman of the municipal executive board Chairman, Örebro municipality.
Municipality of Östersund
- Through Climate-neutral Östersund 2030 and the climate contract, we in Östersund show that we are serious about being one of the 23 Swedish cities leading the way in the climate transition. A large part of Jämtland's identity is linked to nature and the changing seasons, so the transition is an existential issue for us. We are all aware of the challenges, but we have chosen to focus on the opportunities that the transition presents for a municipality and a county like ours," says Niklas Daoson (S), Member of the Municipal Board Chairman of Östersund Municipality.
Finnish Transport Agency
- We look forward to another year of participation in this important initiative that drives the transition to climate-neutral cities. Through Climate City Contract 2030, we are working together to achieve the goals. The Swedish Transport Administration contributes to the transition through urban environment agreements, research and innovation. Collaboration with stakeholders at national, regional and local level is another important factor, where we also see that the role of municipalities and the business community is becoming increasingly important in the transition," says Roberto Maiorana, Director General of the Swedish Transport Administration.
Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth
- The municipalities that sign Climate City Contract 2030 are ambitious pioneers and provide inspiration to others in both Sweden and Europe. They have knowledge and ideas that are valuable to others to quickly scale up the climate solutions that the world so badly needs. The European URBACT program, where we are the Swedish contact, finances exactly this type of important exchange," says Elisabeth Backteman, Director General of the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth.
Formas
- Municipalities are central to achieving the necessary transition to a fossil-free society. Climate contracts have the potential to be a tool that can inspire and accelerate this transition. From Formas' side, we see it as very important to be able to develop our working methods in close cooperation with other government agencies to accelerate the development together with the municipalities towards more sustainable cities and communities," says Johan Kuylenstierna, Director General of Formas.
The Swedish Energy Agency
- It is gratifying that our 23 cities have now signed Climate City Contract 2030. Over the past year, the Swedish Energy Agency, together with Vinnova, Formas, the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth and the Swedish Transport Administration, has continued to work on supporting municipalities' climate transition, a work that we will continue to develop in the coming years, says Robert Andrén, Director General of the Swedish Energy Agency.
Vinnova
- The climate contracts provide opportunities to see a whole system perspective and create long-term support for the municipalities' transition work. Vinnova is now developing our new system demonstrators together with government agencies, municipalities and Viable Cities. We also look forward to contributing to further developed forms of collaboration between the national and local level, to make a greater difference together," says Darja Isaksson, Director General of Vinnova.
Swedish Environmental Protection Agency
- To increase the pace of the climate transition, it is important to have pioneers who inspire and show the way. The municipalities that sign Climate City Contract 2030 have exactly that role, both nationally and internationally. Thanks to the support of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and the other authorities, new opportunities for effective and coordinated measures in climate work are also arising," says Björn Risinger, Director General of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.
Climate City Contract 2030 is a continuously evolving process. Based on an analysis of the first contracts, we have identified several areas of strategic importance in order to really manage the climate transition in cities. Based on these, we have initiated development projects that will contribute to the further development of Climate City Contract 2030 and thus support the major systemic changes we are facing.
One of the development projects is about clarifying how digitalization and digital tools can accelerate the climate transition. On behalf of Viable Cities, Ramboll has developed a proposed strategy for this.
Another development project focuses on how cities can engage citizens and civil society as co-creators of the city's future. Anthesis Sweden has developed a proposed strategy for this.
Through workshops and interviews, the two projects gathered information that was analyzed and resulted in recommendations on a possible way forward.
A third development project - climate investment plans - has been run by Viable Cities, including with Material Economics, and has resulted in three cities testing new ways of financing climate change.
Two development projects will start in spring 2022, one on multi-level governance and another on system demonstrators. At the same time, the results of the projects carried out in 2021 will contribute to the work ahead.
23 cities and five government agencies are now working with Climate City Contract 2030 as a tool to achieve the mission - climate neutral and sustainable cities by 2030. During the European Viable Cities Day 2021, the work was manifested with a signing ceremony. European guests and representatives from all 23 cities and five government agencies shared how we can accelerate the climate transition together.
Gävle municipality
- The work to become a sustainable municipality is one of our most important tasks and means that we need to create even better conditions for business and municipal residents to make smart, sustainable choices. Within the framework of Viable Cities, we can, in exchange with other municipalities, develop the work to achieve our goal of being a climate-neutral municipality by 2030," says Åsa Wiklund Lång, member of the municipal board of Chairman Gävle municipality.
Umeå municipality
- We have ambitious climate targets here in Umeå, but to meet them we need to increase the pace of transition. With the climate contract, we get a form of cooperation with the government authorities, which is absolutely crucial for the transition to be possible at the local level.
- The climate contract is an important link between the collaboration we are developing locally and the collaboration we are now building on with government agencies and other municipalities. All this must be connected if we are to succeed in turning the emission curves downwards," says Hans Lindberg (S), member of the municipal executive board Chairman Umeå.
Municipality of Mariestad
- Mariestad is the small town that dares to make a difference in the green transition with innovative solutions. Our test and demonstration site for sustainable mobility and logistics is the beginning of the joint journey towards a climate-neutral society. Through Climate City Contract 2030, we enter into an exciting collaboration with like-minded people where we can benefit from each other's experiences, knowledge and innovations," says Johan Abrahamsson (M), member of the municipal board Chairman in Mariestad.
City of Gothenburg
- Increasing the pace of climate change requires systemic changes and cooperation. In the City of Gothenburg, we have changed our entire way of working with environmental and climate issues, and we are collaborating with the business community on initiatives that take a more holistic perspective on, for example, fossil-free passenger and freight transport. Cities play a crucial role in the climate transition and in engaging citizens, businesses, academia and civil society. We want to act as a pioneer in this area," says Axel Josefson (M), Chairman of the City Council Chairman, City of Gothenburg.
Nacka municipality
- In the development of Central Nacka - with the concept of Naturbant as the basis - we have an arena that enables collaboration between construction actors, business and the municipality to increase the climate transition. Here we can test and realize our climate ambitions and we notice a great interest among the actors to be involved in this exciting and important journey towards a more climate-neutral city, says Mats Gerdau (M), municipal executive Chairman, Nacka municipality.
Municipality of Örebro
- "With our central and strategic geographical location, Örebro is one of Sweden's fastest growing cities, with both challenges and opportunities to achieve the long-term climate goals that exist at local and global level. Climate City Contract 2030 shows that Örebro wants to continue to be a pioneer in the climate transition, through increased cooperation, knowledge and innovation," says John Johansson, member of the municipal board Chairman, Örebro municipality.
Municipality of Östersund
- For Östersund, one of the major challenges in achieving a fossil-free municipality by 2030 is to work with transportation. "Viable Cities and the Climate Contract have already given us inspiration and ideas to develop our climate work", says Bosse Svensson, Member of the City Council Chairman in Östersund.
Municipality of Linköping
- We in Linköping Municipality have a high ambition when it comes to climate change. The Climate-neutral cities 2030 initiative is an important initiative where we as a municipality commit to continue to invest and work together with our local partners for a more climate-smart Linköping, says the municipal board Chairman Niklas Borg (M)
Municipality of Enköping
- Enköping is taking the lead for all of Sweden's smaller municipalities and we will show that the transition is a priority as we build and develop a growing municipality. The climate contract gives us a roadmap for our green transition. We will continue to involve our young people at Westerlundska gymnasium, continue to work on creating a sustainable district in the Myran area and develop our dialogues with residents, businesses and civil society," says Peter Book, Chairman of the Municipal Executive Board Chairman, Enköping Municipality.
Eskilstuna municipality
- Writing contracts is an effective method. It makes you committed, puts you in a clear mission about what to do and gives you support during the struggle to reach the goals. Three in one," says Jimmy Jansson (S), member of the municipal board Chairman, Eskilstuna municipality.
Växjö municipality
- "By signing the climate contract, Växjö municipality takes its responsibility for a rapid transition to climate neutrality in 2030 and stands up for it, both nationally and in Europe," says Anna Tenje, member of the municipal board Chairman, Växjö municipality.
Municipality of Skellefteå
- Building sustainable cities and communities is not something we can opt out of, not least based on the unique growth phase we are going through in Skellefteå right now. We rather see it as a matter of course for us as a municipality and place to be of interest to more business establishments and to become more inhabitants. By signing the climate agreement, we want to strengthen and develop the work that is already underway to coordinate projects and work for a sustainable community development, says Lorents Burman (S) Municipal Board Chairman, Skellefteå municipality.
City of Helsingborg
- With Climate City Contract 2030, Helsingborg secures a long-term commitment to the city's transition work towards climate neutrality. We need to work together with other cities, government agencies, business and above all the citizens of Helsingborg to meet the climate challenge in an effective way. By jointly identifying areas of responsibility and strategies for climate neutrality, the climate contract can become a platform for negotiation and initiatives at local and national level, so that we can move forward faster and achieve more," says Peter Danielsson (M), member of the municipal board Chairman of the City of Helsingborg.
Karlstad Municipality
- Climate City Contract 2030 is an important tool, it creates a joint force for the investments we want and need to make to achieve our climate and environmental goals in Karlstad Municipality, Per-Samuel Nisser, Municipal Executive Board Chairman, Karlstad Municipality.
- Learning from others and working together are important mechanisms in the transition to a more sustainable society. Karlstad is very proud to be part of Climate City Contract 2030 and we have high expectations for our participation, Monika Bubholz, Municipal Councillor, Municipality of Karlstad.
Uppsala municipality
- The climate transition will create many new green jobs. For these jobs to end up in Sweden and Uppsala, we must be at the forefront. That's why we will continue to take the lead in the climate transition," says Erik Pelling (S) of the Municipal Executive Board Chairman, Uppsala Municipality.
City of Malmö
- "In Malmö, we have high environmental and climate ambitions, as well as a long experience of working on these issues together with the business community, civil society and the citizens of Malmö. Climate City Contract 2030 contributes to accelerating the climate transition by also linking the national level to this work," says Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh (S), member of the municipal board Chairman in Malmö.
City of Borås
- "The climate contract will be an important tool for deeper and broader political anchoring of Borås City's climate work," says Ulf Olsson, member of the municipal board Chairman, Borås City.
Swedish Transport Administration
- There is little time left until 2030. We need to coordinate the actions of different actors in order to be as effective as possible in the climate transition. The Climate Contracts create an important arena for sharing knowledge between each other. The Swedish Transport Administration's research and innovation and administration of urban environment agreements are some examples of how we work with development that contributes to a sustainable and efficient transport system, says Lena Erixon, Director General of the Swedish Transport Administration.
Swedish Energy Agency
- Climate City Contract 2030 between the cities, us national government agencies and other actors means that Sweden has taken the lead in the work to achieve climate neutrality. The strength lies in the fact that we have now joined forces and interact at several levels of society, which leads to a faster climate transition," says Robert Andrén, Director General of the Swedish Energy Agency.
Vinnova
- Cities and communities are central to achieving the necessary climate transition. When 23 Swedish cities join forces towards the goal of becoming climate neutral by 2030 together with Viable Cities and five government agencies , we will have an international force of light that inspires," says Darja Isaksson, Director General of Vinnova.
Formas
- We know that the climate transition must happen here and now. Climate City Contract 2030 has great potential to be a tool in the transition. Formas contributes to a sustainable transition for cities and regions through research and innovation, including through our national research programs for climate and sustainable spatial planning. It is necessary to coordinate what we do with several actors at both national and local level," says Ingrid Petersson, Director General of Formas.
Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth
- We are proud to be involved in the work with the Climate Contracts and to promote innovation in these cities. The transition to climate neutrality is a major issue for municipalities, regions and the country as a whole. The work of these pioneering cities can benefit the whole of Sweden," says Gunilla Nordlöf, Director General of the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth.
Climate City Contract 2030 is revised, developed and refined year by year to accelerate the transition to climate-neutral, sustainable cities. The first version was signed in December 2020 by nine cities, four government agencies and the Viable Cities program.
In 2021, Climate City Contract 2030 was signed by the same nine cities in wave 1, now five government agencies - the Swedish Transport Administration has been added - and Viable Cities. The 14 cities that have joined the initiative since 1 October 2021 - wave 2 - will start their work with Climate City Contract 2030 in 2022.
The documents below have informed the revision of the contract for the signing in December 2021. We hope that they will be useful both for those who will sign Climate City Contract 2030 in December 2021 and for all individuals and organizations actively working to accelerate the transition of cities.
The first climate contracts in Europe were signed by the political leadership of nine Swedish cities and the Directors-General of four government agencies and Viable Cities in December 2020. By signing Climate City Contract 2030, the cities commit to accelerate the transition to climate neutrality and increased sustainability, and Viable Cities and the authorities - the Swedish Energy Agency, Vinnova, Formas and the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth - commit to support and facilitate the cities' work.
Enköping municipality
- Enköping represents all of Sweden's smaller municipalities and we will lead the way and show that the transition is a priority when we build and develop a growing municipality. We will involve our young people, produce a climate investment plan and develop digital tools to take bigger steps in the green transition in the coming years," says Ingvar Smedlund, Member of the Municipal Executive Board Chairman, Enköping Municipality.
City of Gothenburg
- The intentions of Climate City Contract 2030 are fully in line with the City of Gothenburg's new environment and climate program, focusing on implementation, financing strategies, governance and management. "In 2021, we plan to establish a climate transition function to focus in particular on developing climate investment plans and to further engage citizens in the climate transition," says Axel Josefson, Member of the City Council Chairman, City of Gothenburg.
Municipality of Lund
- The climate contract shows that Lund Municipality wants to continue to lead the way on the climate issue through innovation and increased cooperation with more actors in our society. This challenge requires new ways of working, and Lund wants to be a test bed for the climate solutions of the future," says Philip Sandberg (L), member of the Lund City Council Chairman.
City of Malmö
- Around the world, cities are leading the green transition. Through the Climate Contract, we join forces with the state to accelerate several decades of successful local environmental and climate work, while focusing on creating an inclusive and equal Malmö. By taking advantage of the local power and the cities' willingness and ability to drive change, we can achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement and the EU Green Deal in the long term," says Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh (S), Member of the Malmö City Council Chairman .
City of Stockholm
- To achieve our goal of a fossil-free and climate-positive Stockholm in 2040, new collaborations and innovations are needed. Stockholm will be a test bed for climate-smart solutions that can be scaled up and become part of the everyday lives of Stockholmers. Through the climate contract, we undertake, among other things, to develop digital support for the climate transition. The contract will be an important part of the implementation of Stockholm's new climate action plan", says Anna König Jerlmyr, Finance Mayor of the City of Stockholm.
Uppsala municipality
- There are several areas where Uppsala as a society needs to reduce our climate emissions but which we do not have control over in the municipality. Uppsala needs collaborations like these to achieve our climate goals. We have an ambitious climate policy, but we can't do everything ourselves," says Erik Pelling (S) of the municipal executive board Chairman.
Växjö municipality
- Växjö municipality has been, is and will continue to be, an important pioneer and actor in the global climate work. By now being one of the first nine cities in Sweden to sign a Climate City Contract , we are taking that leadership, both nationally and within the EU, and pointing out important strategic areas for a faster transition to an attractive, climate-neutral Växjö in 2030. I see this Climate City Contract as a starting point and basis for the dialog and the collaboration with business, civil society, academia and the inhabitants of Växjö that is now necessary for us to be successful in our work," says Anna Tenje (M), member of the municipal board Chairman, Växjö municipality.
The Swedish Energy Agency
- Energy is a cornerstone of any sustainable society. The Swedish Energy Agency's work on innovative energy and climate solutions for the urban transition is crucial in the effort to achieve a modern fossil-free welfare society. I look forward to a developed collaboration with other government agencies and ambitious municipalities, says Robert Andrén, Director General of the Swedish Energy Agency.
Vinnova
- To drive the transition to climate-neutral cities in 2030, we need to mobilize towards common goals. As an innovation agency, Vinnova finances long-term initiatives in the area, and works to link regulatory experimentation with innovation work and investments in infrastructure. We see that the Climate Contracts contribute to a level of collaboration that can make a big difference," says Darja Isaksson, Director General of Vinnova.
Formas
- Formas contributes to the green transition for cities and regions through our national programs for climate and sustainable spatial planning. When we coordinate with others government agencies through the Climate Contract, we increase the pace," says Ingrid Petersson, Director General of Formas.
Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth
- We all need to contribute to the transition to sustainable cities and communities. Innovations and digital solutions play a major role in making our cities attractive. The fact that some municipalities can now take the lead will benefit all of Sweden's municipalities in the long term. All the country's cities and communities face similar challenges and with new knowledge and new ways of working, we can accelerate the development towards more sustainable cities throughout the country," says Gunilla Nordlöf, Director General of the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth.
Viable Cities
- Municipalities have a crucial role in implementing the climate transition and engaging citizens, businesses, academia and civil society. Cities make up only 3% of the Earth's land mass, but account for more than 70% of greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, cities are growing rapidly. By 2050, 85% of the EU population will live in cities. It is in cities that the climate transition must take place - and citizens must play a very active role in it," says Allan Larsson, Chair of the Board of Directors of Viable Cities.
- " Climate City Contract 2030 means that we are joining forces to 'fix the climate' and at the same time steer towards sustainable cities with a good life for everyone within the boundaries of the planet," says Olga Kordas, Programme Manager Viable Cities. In concrete terms, this means that everyone in the city should have an everyday life where both we and the planet feel good. For example, the climate transition will contribute to more greenery, better air, better mental and physical health, and safer cities where children and adults can live, play and thrive.
European Commission in Sweden
- The nine cities that have signed the Climate City Contract today are a source of inspiration for all European cities that want to become climate neutral. During 2021-2027, the EU's research and innovation program "Horizon Europe" will help EU cities in their climate transition and we hope to see many more European Climate City Contract, says Christian Danielsson, Head of the European Commission in Sweden.
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Our 23 cities and Directors-General in 6 government agencies have signed Climate City Contract 2030. Read more in the press release.
