Koldioxidbudget - en kartläggning av hur verktyget används i svenska kommuner

Sammanfattning: We have a limited amount of greenhouse gases left to emit, our global carbon budget, if we are to divert the worst effects of the climate crisis. This study aimed to map how municipalities implement carbon-budgeting in their efforts to fulfil the Paris agreement, and investigate why the instrument is not more frequently used. A survey among Swedish municipalities was carried out, in two stages. A questionnaire was sent to all 290 municipalities and then a fewer number of respondents received another more extensive questionnaire. The result shows that there are many arguments, both for and against local carbon budgets. Even though many municipalities rather would want to see concrete measures be taken and resources to focus on that, many greatly appreciate the communicative aspect of a local carbon budget. As for now, no local carbon budget in Sweden is legally binding in the way that climate activists may wish and the scientists that invented it aimed for. However, the concept is rapidly increasing in popularity but will need a lot more help from other stakeholders to become a full-fledged concept to rely on in our battle against climate change. If municipalities do not receive the necessary support, particularly from the state, mitigation targets in local carbon budgets will not be met and Sweden will not comply with their commitments. Respondents specifically ask for help with: additional (concerning consumption and air travel) and more up-to-date emissions data; added and supplementary legislation; greater resources allocated specifically for climate efforts and investments in coaching to municipalities.