Looking to expand on climate agreements between the governments of California and Sweden initiated in 2017, Gov. Gavin Newsom welcomed officials from the Nordic nation Feb. 20 to sign a letter of cooperation renewing the partnership.
“California and Sweden have led the world in taking ambitious climate action, and now we’re partnering to do even more,” Mr. Newsom said in a press release. “From advancing zero-emissions technology to collaborating on our clean energy transition, our work together will benefit communities from Stockton to Stockholm.”
Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden—currently on a four-day trip to the Golden State—met with the governor and his wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom at the Stanford Mansion in Sacramento.
Also joining the Swedish delegation was Johan Forssell, minister for international development cooperation and foreign trade, who signed the updated agreement to work toward achieving “carbon neutrality” by 2045.
“As world-leaders in innovation, Sweden and California share a strong belief that innovation and international collaboration is the key to solve the challenges of the future,” Mr. Forssell said in the press release. “Today we take a clear step towards deepening our partnership.”
The letter of cooperation recognizes efforts made since the governments entered into a climate relationship, acknowledging the benefit of sharing information and exchanging ideas.
Looking to the next five years, the document focuses on objectives, including zero-emissions transportation and infrastructure, local climate action, clean energy, and climate-smart agriculture.
Stated goals include increasing electric public transportation and vehicle charging infrastructure and transitioning to less reliance on oil and gas-powered heating elements in new residences and commercial buildings, with plans to improve energy efficiency by investing in renewable resources and battery technology.
Working toward achieving the goals will include coordination between Sweden’s Consulate General office in San Francisco and the governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development.
State agencies—such as those related to business development, innovation, energy, and transportation will exchange knowledge with their respective Swedish agencies, according to the letter.
Purely a voluntary initiative, with no legal obligations or funding involved in the arrangement, the letter is open to interpretation and amendment.
While not a binding agreement, it serves the purpose of accelerating climate-related policies, according to the press release.
Citing a faster pace of adoption for climate policies than initially expected—meeting 2020 goals six years before schedule—the governor said the state is exceeding expectations while developing meaningful relationships with fellow local governments in the U.S. and with foreign nations.
The renewed commitment comes after similar memorandums of understanding and cooperation were signed in recent years with other states—including Oregon and Washington—and with other international governments, such as Australia, Canada, China, Japan, New Zealand, and the Netherlands.
