Around 10,000 people marched through the streets of Stockholm on August 23, 2026, to protest against human-made climate change ahead of Sweden’s general election on September 13 [1, 2, 3]. The demonstration was organized by more than 200 NGOs and associations, including youth and sports groups, unions, rural organizations, religious groups, and rights advocates [2, 3].

The march voiced opposition to policies of Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s right-wing government, in office since 2022 with support from the Sweden Democrats [1, 2, 3]. The government has cut petrol taxes and relaxed low-carbon fuel requirements for suppliers even though Sweden aims to reduce CO2 emissions from transport by 70% from 2010 levels by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2045 [1, 2, 3]. Officials rejected recommendations from an official commission to phase out fossil fuels by raising petrol and diesel taxes to meet these targets [1, 2, 3].

Experts warn the current climate policies risk undermining Sweden’s emissions-cutting goals. "The climate crisis is very real, and it is here. It is time to put in place a climate policy that reduces emissions right now," said Beatrice Rindevall, head of the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation and co-organizer of the protest [1, 2, 3].

Youth climate activist Greta Thunberg took part in the march, stating, "There is absolutely no party in Sweden who are even proposing politics in line with anything close to what science says will take for us to avoid a climate disaster. If we continue like now we will see collapse, we are already seeing collapse" [1].

The government argues the phase-out of fossil fuels must be gradual to maintain Sweden’s competitiveness and protect businesses [1, 2, 3]. Meanwhile, voter sentiment shows climate change is a top priority for many. A poll published on August 20 found 37% of Swedish voters consider climate change a top election issue [1]. Sweden’s right-wing bloc trails in polls ahead of the election [1, 2, 3].

Kliff Lindberg, a 21-year-old student who joined the march, said, "We are so many people who are concerned about this problem. That gives me a lot of strength and it’s beautiful to see I think" [1].

Sweden’s general election is set for September 13, where climate policies are expected to influence voter decisions [1, 2, 3].