Swedes Back Wealth Tax on the Rich to Fund Climate Change Efforts

A growing public discourse in Sweden is urging the government to impose a wealth tax on the country's richest individuals to finance the green transition. According to a letter to the editor published in Dagens Nyheter, three out of four Swedish voters support proactive climate policies, as reported by Susanne Nyström. The letter outlines a proposal for a wealth tax targeting the 10,000 wealthiest Swedes, which could generate approximately 158 billion kronor annually dedicated to climate initiatives.

The rationale for this proposal draws on stark data: the richest 0.1% emit an average of 198 tons of CO2 annually — 45 times higher than the emissions of the lower half of the population. While 90% of Swedes have reduced their carbon footprints since 1990, the emissions of the wealthiest have increased by 44% during the same period. The wealth of this group has also surged by 44%, intensifying disparities.

The letter calls on Sweden's government to act decisively, likening the urgency to leadership shown during the COVID-19 pandemic. It argues that taxing the super-rich could be an effective tool to address Sweden’s total climate impact.

In a complementary debate piece, Martin Beskow critiques Swedish politicians for encouraging birth rate rises and increased consumption, which he views as threats to environmental sustainability. He warns that the political focus on economic growth ignores the planet’s finite capacity.

Together, these contributions reflect a pressing national conversation about the intersection of economics, population policies, and climate change. The consensus among many Swedes, according to these pieces, is that targeted wealth taxes may provide a viable path toward funding vital climate measures and achieving sustainability targets.

As of November 16, 2025, this debate highlights the tension between economic priorities and environmental responsibility, with public support rallying behind wealth redistribution as a means to accelerate the green transition in Sweden.