Climate change affects our society in many different ways, and there are also several laws and regulations governing climate adaptation efforts. Here is an overview of the most important laws and regulations in the field. Moreover, in recent years, these have been complemented by a national strategy and coordination of climate adaptation efforts.
International legal rules include EU directives and conventions. Sweden's obligations under these are transferred to Swedish law. This means that we apply Swedish rules, not the directives directly. If Swedish laws contradict the directives, we might have to apply the directives directly, particularly if they provide rights to individuals. EU's regulations have direct effect, meaning they do not need to be transferred into Swedish rules.
Agency regulations
Central authorities like the Swedish National Housing Agency (Boverket), the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket), and the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (Myndigheten för samhällsskydd och beredskap) may also be granted the right to enact regulations that detail specific requirements. These are known as agency regulations. Furthermore, county administrative boards and municipalities may be authorized to establish local regulations. These regulations are binding and can impose obligations to comply to specific requirements or grant rights to participate in processes.
General advice
General advice provided by central authorities offers guidance on how to fulfill the requirements of laws, regulations, or ordinance. The advice suggests what to do, but people can choose other ways if if they are equally effective. Consequently, this advice is non-binding, serving as recommendations rather than strict mandates.
Comprehensive Framework for Climate
Since 2017, a climate policy framework has been established, consists of a climate act, climate goals, and a climate policy council. The climate act mandates that these goals should serve as the guiding principles for government policies and determine the management approach for climate-related work.
National climate adaptation strategy
In March 2018, the Government introduced a national climate adaptation strategy, encompassing Sweden's climate change adaptation goals, organizational structure, division of responsibilities, follow-up, financing principles, and knowledge-enhancement initiatives.
The National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy must be updated every five years, according to the law. In May 2024 un updated version was presented.
National Strategy for Climate Change Adaptation (in Swedish)
Regulatory Framework of Government Agencies
As climate change affects the entire society, every sector must engage in climate adaptation efforts. Therefore, the government has tasked several authorities with incorporating climate adaptation into their respective areas of responsibility and missions.
Ordinance on Government Agencies' Climate Change Adaptation Work (in Swedish)
The Swedish Environmental Code (Miljöbalken)
The Swedish Environmental Code was adopted in 1998 and entered into force 1 January 1999. The rules contained within 15 acts have been amalgameted in the Code. As many similar rules in previous statutes have been replaced with common rules, the number of provisions has been reduced. The Environmental Code is nonetheless a major piece of legislation. The Code contains 33 chapters comprising almost 500 sections. However, it is only the fundamental environmental rules that are included in the Environmental Code. More detailed provisions are laid down in ordinances made by the Government.
The Swedish Environmental Code - (Government's English website)
External link.
The Planning and Building Act and the Planning and Building Ordinance (PBL and PBF)
There are rules that provide principles for landowners' and society's preparedness, responsibility, and compensation when something happens. In municipal physical planning, the Planning and Building Act clarifies that climate aspects must be considered. That is, the need for both climate adaptation and climate impact.
The Planning and Building Act, PBL, and the Planning and Building Ordinance, PBF, contains provisions on the planning of land and water areas, and on construction.
The Act on Protection against Accidents (LSO)
The provisions of this Act are intended to provide adequate and equivalent protection against accidents for human life and health, property and the environment, throughout the country.