Sweden will set a new target of achieving zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, five years earlier than previously planned, and of reaching negative emission levels after that, local media reported on Wednesday.

The new goal is the result of a year’s consultations and is backed by seven political parties represented in parliament, only leaving out the right-wing Sweden Democrats, reported newspaper Svenska Dagbladet.

Under the new goal, at least 85% of emission cuts must be achieved domestically, while some efforts abroad would be needed to push emissions below zero.

An initial strategy for how to reach the plan will be released in June.

The cross-party compromise calls for the government to document its progress in cutting emissions annually, and to develop new climate action plans every four years.

Parts of the new climate plan will be legally binding but not the target itself, the newspaper wrote, a move that some environmentalists said was positive because it meant ambition could be ramped up later.

By Stian Reklev – stian@carbon-pulse.com

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