Climate and consumption

People entering a commuter train in Stockholm, Sweden.

The problem of climate change is global but requires solutions at all levels. How does our consumption affect the climate? Food, electricity at home, travel and clothing – emissions from Swedish consumption create some 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents per person and year.

The consumption perspective

A consumption perspective provides new insights as it aspires to include all emissions caused by consumption and increases understanding of the impact that consumption has on greenhouse gas emissions.

Focus on private consumption

Measured in terms of the population of Sweden, emissions from a consumption perspective are equivalent to just over 10 tonnes CO2e per capita. Just over 80% of emissions are caused by private consumption and just under 20% by public consumption.

What can be done?

Emissions for an average Swedish consumer need to decrease from the present-day level of the order of 10 tonnes per capita to half that level in 2020 and to a fifth in 2050.

Updated: 10 February 2011
Content editor: Maggie Javelius
Web editor: Editorial office