Climate change – a key issue

Photo: Jan Schützer/NThe rise in global greenhouse gas emissions needs to be reversed within a decade if the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is to stay at a level that does not pose a risk of serious and increasing climate effects. Sweden and the Swedish EPA contribute through national and international measures, knowledge building and international collaboration.

Ice

The scientific basis

Knowledge of the development of the problem of climate change and possible measures to deal with it are essential if effective decisions are to be taken at all levels.

The European Union flag

Climate policy

Swedish climate policy contains shorter-term and longer-term goals to limit our impact on climate. Progress towards set objectives is followed up at regular checkpoints.

People

Swedish EPA – national focal point

The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency is the government's national environmental authority with the task of enforcing and coordinating environmental work for sustainable development based on the ecological dimension.

The sky

Building knowledge and awareness

Knowledge of climate change and what can be done about it is significant both as support for decisions and for the preparedness of society and its acceptance of the measures that need to be taken to mitigate the problem of climate change.

A smoking stack

Greenhouse gas emissions

Swedish greenhouse gas emissions per head of population are among the lowest in the member states of the OECD. The emissions have shown a declining trend in recent years, while economic growth has increased.

A mailbox

Adaptation

Global greenhouse gas emissions have not yet shown any decreasing trend. It is therefore necessary for us to adapt to a warmer future climate.

Climate and consumption

Food, electricity at home, travel and clothing – emissions from Swedish consumption create some 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents per person and year.

An apple

Research

The new knowledge generated by the research programmes that we fund helps us achieve our mission and environmental quality objectives.

Updated: 10 February 2012
Content editor: Kjell Andersson
Web editor: Editorial office