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Sweden: Greenhouse gas emissions did not increase in spite of GNP growth |
2002, a new year has come! I wonder how this year is going to be for you and the earth. Here, I will continue delivering the environmental issues from Sweden and Europe.
This month, I will start with the movements toward global warming in Sweden.
Greenhouse gas emissions do not increase in spite of GNP growth
According to the "Sweden's third national communication on Climate Change", Swedish emissions of the greenhouse gases in 1999 increased by only 0.1% compared to 1999.It seems that the greenhouse gas emissions in Sweden are almost stable.Swedish government concluded that the economic instruments such as energy and carbon dioxide taxation had a great effect on reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. It was calculated that the emissions of carbon dioxide would have increased 11 to 14% if the government did not enforce the economic instruments.
In Sweden, greenhouse gas emissions have not increased from 1990 to 1999. But Swedish GNP has grown by 15%. What do you think this means? We often say that greenhouse gas emission increases with economic growth. But it does not apply to this case. This is good news.
Reduction target: Revised from 2% to 4%
The Swedish government released a political measure for the global warming in November. In this policy, Sweden will cut emissions of greenhouse gases by 4% by 2010 compared to 1990 level. The previous target was 2%, so this means that the government set the target higher. According to the Kyoto protocol, Sweden is allowed to increase emissions by 8%. But Swedish government decided not to lean on it.
Also, this target exclude "forest absorption of CO2", "reduction in other countries by technology transfer" and "emissions trading." It has to be achieved only by efforts within the country. So, what kind of measures can be taken? Swedish government is going to take measures in "providing financial help to the local governments", "education and public information", "introduction of new energy technology " and " energy conservation in national buildings." Swedish government is also suggesting ratification of the Kyoto protocol in 2002.
The Environmental Party in Sweden criticized the government policy. They said, "The reduction target needs to be 8%." But Swedish Society for Nature Conservation and Green peace Nordic welcomed this policy.
Advanced measures will lead to an international competitiveness
Kjell Larsson, Minister of Environment in Sweden, said in his speech, "Climate change is the most important environmental issue of our time." "If we begin the shift ahead of other countries, we can do it with less cost and more efficiently. The countries that delay in their actions will have to shift in a short time and more cost. If we make a great effort to develop environmentally friendly technology, we can sell the products and know-how to other countries. It is good for our international competitiveness."
There are various opinions about this policy. But I am proud of his speech. I am pleased that Sweden is taking the initiative in environmental field and leading other countries. What is your country doing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? You might want to tell me sometime.
Reference: Sweden Environment News November issue, 2001 (issued/edited by Lena Lindahl)
Translation : Satoko Fujii(Ecology Symphony Jan-2002)
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