Climate Skepticism, Even in Sweden

Despite Sweden's reputation for environmental awareness and concern, climate skepticism persists within the country. This article explores the primary factors contributing to this phenomenon and its implications for policy-making and consensus-building.



Gender dynamics and threatened masculinity

Research has shown that men are more likely than women to deny human-induced climate change or certain aspects of it (Agneman et al., 2024; Bush and Clayton, 2023; Gregersen et al., 2020; Hornsey et al., 2016; McCright and Dunlap, 2011, 2013; Poortinga et al., 2019). This gender gap in climate change denial can be partially explained by the concept of threatened masculinity. Men who perceive that their masculinity is being challenged or devalued may be more likely to deny climate change to restore a sense of masculinity (Remsö et al., 2024).

Political ideologies and party affiliations

Political ideologies and party affiliations significantly influence climate skepticism in Sweden. The Swedish Opinion on Environment, Energy and Climate Change (EECC) project reports highlight the widening ideological divide between left and right on energy sources such as nuclear power and wind power, with voters on the right favoring nuclear power and those on the left favoring wind power (Axelsson, 2023). This polarization can hinder the formation of a long-term parliamentary consensus on Swedish energy policy.



Implications for policy-making and consensus-building

The persistence of climate skepticism in Sweden, despite the country's generally high levels of environmental awareness and concern, presents challenges for policy-making and consensus-building. To overcome these divisions, policymakers should engage in inclusive dialogue and consider the diverse perspectives of different political ideologies and party affiliations. Additionally, targeted communication strategies could help address the specific concerns and misconceptions of different political groups, fostering a more cohesive approach to climate change mitigation and energy policy.

In conclusion, climate skepticism in Sweden is influenced by various factors, including gender dynamics, political ideologies, and party affiliations. To address this issue effectively, policymakers must acknowledge and address these divisions, fostering inclusive dialogue and targeted communication strategies. By doing so, Sweden can work towards a more cohesive approach to climate change mitigation and energy policy.