A Dagens Nyheter investigation reveals that the government has cut funding to county administrative boards, resulting in the loss of two-thirds of climate adaptation positions since 2023. The opposition criticizes Climate and Environment Minister Romina Pourmokhtari (L), who blames the boards' priorities. The cuts come amid extreme weather events in Västernorrland.
The government has annually reduced funding for climate work since taking office, including allocations for climate adaptation at county administrative boards. According to DN's investigation, the boards have lost two-thirds of positions dedicated to preventive climate work since 2023. This has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition, accusing the climate minister of shirking responsibility.
Åsa Westlund (S) expresses outrage: "I am very upset that the minister pretends to be surprised by the effects." Officials at the Västernorrland county board are equally critical. Unit manager Viveka Sjödin states: "The money is not enough for the long-term work."
Climate Minister Romina Pourmokhtari (L) defends the situation by criticizing the boards for incorrect priorities. "I am critical," she says, adding: "One should fulfill the assignments and there is funding that is not earmarked." The minister announces she will now review the situation and emphasizes that climate work is high priority.
The backdrop is the autumn cloudbursts in Västernorrland, with over 100 millimeters of rain in a day in some areas. These storms caused major damage to roads, two train derailments, and one man's death after driving into a washed-out road. The events align with climate research warnings about increasing extreme weather.