At a panel discussion held during the Almedalen political week, representatives from major Swedish companies including Scania (global player in truck and bus manufacturing), SPP (major occupational pension fund), Swedbank (top three of Sweden’s commercial banks), and Volvo Buses (one of the world’s leading bus manufacturers), the Swedish Recycling Industries Association, The Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees (TCO) and the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise (Svenskt Näringsliv), came together to discuss the need for international ecocide legislation, a level playing-field, and long-term thinking in environmental protection,
The panel’s unified stance was perhaps best captured by Fredrik Nilzén, Head of Sustainability at Scania, who expressed genuine surprise at the current legal landscape: “I don’t need to go any further than my personal values and astonishment when I start learning about ecocide – that it doesn’t exist. It’s just incredibly strange. This is foundational,” he said, and emphasized that the most fundamental wrongs must be addressed.
A Question of Basic Logic
What struck many participants was the seemingly obvious nature of the proposal. Johanna Fager Wettergren, Head of Group Sustainability at Swedbank, called it “astonishing that this isn’t already in place.” She also pointed to the preemptive effect of accountability. This sentiment was echoed throughout the discussion, with multiple speakers characterizing ecocide legislation as a “no-brainer” and questioning why something so fundamental hasn’t been established.
The panel, which also included David Frydlinger, partner at Cirio law firm and responsible for Cirio’s operations in sustainable business activities, and Charlotta Helge, head of public policy at the The Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees (TCO), discussed the significant symbolic importance and normative effect of criminal law. As the conversation progressed, participants emphasized how such legislation would create visibility, provide deterrence, and drive local environmental legislation forward – all without creating additional reporting burdens for companies.
Business Case for Environmental Protection
Johanna Lundgren Gestlöf, sustainability manager at SPP, articulated the business perspective clearly: “Crimes against the environment are also a form of crime against humanity and our planet and has far-reaching consequences. It’s important to create good societal structures. Good societal structures and good legislation globally enable growth and positive development for our investments.” She added pragmatically: “If we don’t clear-cut the entire Amazon, it’s positive for our investments.”
The discussion revealed that business leaders perceive significant system risks linked to environmental destruction. Frydlinger noted that raising the floor and establishing better rules would lower these risks, describing it as a systemic issue that would reduce risks in financial markets. The message was clear: environmental protection and business interests are not in opposition but aligned.
Calling Out Political Hesitation
A recurring theme was frustration with political hesitation. Lundgren Gestlöf observed anxiety from politicians that spills over into companies’ willingness to invest and take action. “But I don’t think politicians need to be so anxious, because companies want sustainable development. And if we want that, we need to speak up and say so, because no one is against ecocide legislation and yet we still can’t get it in place.”
Swedish politicians, she said, needn’t worry about facing opposition from the entire Swedish mining or forestry industries, as the legislation doesn’t target such legitimate business operations. Karin Nilsson from the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise suggested that lack of knowledge might be creating unnecessary concern, emphasizing that under Swedish law, committing ecocide would be extremely difficult, and similar rules should apply in other countries.
Sweden’s International Role
Several speakers highlighted Sweden’s credibility abroad due to its strong environmental legislation and regulatory oversight. Supporting ecocide legislation could strengthen Sweden’s international standing and enable the country to have a clear voice on environmental issues globally. Ellen Einebrant, CEO of the Swedish Recycling Industries Association, noted that such a law would ideally have a deterrent effect, preventing environmental crimes from occurring in the first place.
The World Economic Forum’s annual report, which identifies biodiversity loss as one of the greatest threats over the next decade, was cited as evidence of the urgency. Nilsson, whose daily work involves raising awareness about our dependence on biodiversity and functioning ecosystems, stressed the critical importance of the issue.
A Call for Collective Action
The panel concluded with a call for unified pressure from the business community. As Lundgren Gestlöf pointed out, not many Swedish companies go about their daily business fearing they might commit a serious war crime or crime against humanity – the level at which ecocide would be classified. “Companies must dare to take a position on issues that are common sense, so that Sweden can have a clear voice internationally,” she said.
Martin Spjern, head of Volvo Buses in Sweden, stated simply: “I don’t think this is a difficult matter. If the issue is raised, I don’t think it will be difficult to get business support.”
Charlotta Helge summarized the path forward: “There is clearly and obviously a gap that needs to be filled. There is clear consensus here. We have broad representation behind us. So, what is needed is clarity toward politicians. Our collective strength and our message to politicians is what is needed now.”
The seminar demonstrated remarkable unity across business, unions, and the legal sector – a powerful foundation for driving political change on environmental protection at the international level.
Link to recording (in Swedish).
With our profound thanks to the sponsors who made this event possible.
