Climate agenda 2026 replaces the climate roadmap

“Much has changed since the Climate Roadmap was adopted in 2021. Climate issues are now more mature, the knowledge has deepened, and the EU regulatory framework in this area has evolved significantly. For banks, this means that much of the previously voluntary work has been replaced by binding requirements, including obligations related to reporting, risk management and governance. As a result, some of the commitments contained in the Climate Roadmap have become outdated,” says Hans Lindberg, CEO of Finance Sweden. 

The Climate Agenda has been developed against this backdrop and replaces Finance Sweden’s Climate Roadmap from 2021. Unlike the roadmap, the Climate Agenda does not contain any common commitments for banks. Instead, it outlines the key climate-related priorities and areas of focus for the banking sector going forward. 

A substantial transformation of society is required to limit global warming and achieve the objectives of the Paris Agreement by 2050. This transition affects all parts of the economy, including industry, energy systems, transport, real estate and households, in other words, all sectors and individuals that constitute banks’ customer base. Banks play a unique role in both society and the climate transition, acting as enablers by providing financing and managing risks. 

The agenda describes: 

• the role of the banking sector in addressing climate change

• how banks cooperate through Finance Sweden

• key factors influencing the banking sector’s ability to contribute to climate objectives

 The Swedish banking sector aims to be an active and responsible contributor to the climate transition. Integrating climate considerations into banks’ own operations is also essential for their long-term profitability, as both climate change and the broader societal transition create financial risks as well as new business opportunities.