Climate 2030 – Västra Götaland in transition

RISE’s role in the Climate 2030 Initiative

Climate 2030 is a regional collaboration platform in western Sweden, initiated and led by  the Västra Götaland region and the Västra Götaland County Administrative Board. RISE contributes with a strong focus on driving the climate transition within the food system, in close collaboration with municipalities, restaurants, farmers, food companies, and public authorities.

To accelerate the transition, greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced more rapidly than they are today. Food accounts for approximately one quarter of overall climate impact, which means there is significant potential to reduce emissions both in food production and consumption.

Three key areas of action

Our work focuses on three prioritized areas within the food system that have been identified as having the greatest potential for reducing climate impact:

• More circular and resource-efficient food systems
  Supporting municipalities and food companies in measuring, reducing, and preventing food waste.
• More plant-based and climate-smart meals
  Providing knowledge, practical tools, and working methods that facilitate the use of plant-based and other climate-smart ingredients in public and private meals – in line with national dietary guidelines for health and the environment.
• Promoting sustainable agriculture
  Collaborating with farmers in western Sweden to reduce climate and environmental impact, strengthen regional food production, and develop sustainable food products.

How we drive change

Turning ambition into action requires targeted investments in capacity building, along with support materials such as tools and work routines tailored to different target groups. RISE’s coordinating role also includes identifying needs, developing and packaging relevant support, offering targeted coaching, and creating arenas for knowledge exchange and dialogue. We work collaboratively across the value chain: public and private meal services, farmers, food producers, and the retail sector.

Examples of activities

• Support for municipal climate commitments
  We set goals together and work towards them through targeted in-person and digital knowledge sessions, as well as dialogue forums where best practices are shared.
• “The Restaurant’s Climate Pantry”
  Tips and tools for creating climate-smart and profitable menus within the restaurant and hospitality sector.
• Coaching for SMEs in western Sweden
  Provided through the Climate Pledge for Companies initiative, in collaboration with the West Sweden Chamber of Commerce and Företagarna (the Swedish Federation of Business Owners).
• Podcast: “At the Frontline of Agricultural Sustainability”
  A podcast focusing on the transition towards fossil-free farming.
• Resource packages and online training for grocery stores
  Supporting retailers in guiding customers towards more climate-smart choices and reducing food waste in households.

Would you like to learn more or develop similar support initiatives in your municipality or region?
Get in touch with us!