2010
Press release 22 September 2010 Ministry of the Environment UN biodiversity summit in New York Heads of state and government will meet tomorrow, 22 September, at the UN General Assembly in New York for a summit to review the Millennium Development Goals. The UN has proclaimed 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity.
A special session on biodiversity will be held ahead of the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, which will take place in Nagoya, Japan, in October. Sweden will be represented by State Secretary Åsa-Britt Karlsson. External links General Assembly of the The meeting in the General Assembly aims to identify priority policy issues. An important issue for Sweden is United Nations the establishment of an international research panel (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Intergovernmental Science- Biodiversity and Ecosytem Services, IPBES), similar to the research panel that exists for climate change Policy Platform on issues (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, IPCC). Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services The aim of establishing the IPBES is to improve the international knowledge base on biodiversity and enhance knowledge transfer between decision-makers and researchers. Sweden also gives priority to emphasising the value of biodiversity and the economic value of nature's ecosystem services.
Contact Leif Holmberg Political Advisor +46 8 405 23 88 email to Leif Holmberg, via the senior registry clerk
Press release 25 August 2010 Ministry of the Environment Andreas Carlgren presents the priorities of the Swedish Chairmanship of HELCOM to tackle the environmental challenges of the Bal Tomorrow, Wednesday 25 August, Sweden will host a meeting of environment ministers on the Baltic Sea environment. Ministers and high-ranking representatives of all Baltic Sea states will attend the seminar entitled "Building marine policy on best available knowledge". This is the first meeting under the Swedish Chairmanship of Baltic Sea cooperation body HELCOM. Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren will present increased efforts to save the Baltic Sea environment.
Time and place Download Place: Rosenbad Press Centre, Rosenbad, Stockholm Programme seminar, 25 Time: 14.30. August 2010 (pdf 297 kB)
On 1 July Sweden assumed the Chairmanship of the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM) for the protection of the Baltic marine environment. Tomorrow, Wednesday 25 August, the first meeting within the framework of this Chairmanship will be held in Stockholm. Five ministers will be attending the meeting and participating in the External links panel discussion on how HELCOM and other ongoing processes are to deliver measures. Helcom website
Mr Carlgren will present the priorities and proposals of the Swedish Chairmanship for how cooperation under HELCOM is to be developed in order to tackle the environmental challenges of the Baltic Sea. The Swedish Chairmanship wants to strengthen work on the joint action plan that was adopted in 2007 to ensure that sufficient measures are implemented for the Baltic Sea. The seminar will be attended by 80 participants from the contracting parties to HELCOM.
There will be an opportunity to meet the ministers following the ministerial discussion in the programme.
The following ministers will attend the seminar and will be available to the media: Andreas Carlgren from Sweden, Jaanus Tamkivi from Estonia, Paula Lehtomäki from Finland, Raimonds Vejonis from Latvia and Andrzej Kraszewski from Poland.
Media are also welcome to follow the meeting to be held at the Rosenbad Conference Centre, Drottninggatan 1, Stockholm. Mr Carlgren will open the seminar at 09.30. The ministerial session will follow at 12.30.
Please notify Press Assistant Eva Lena Fahlström if you wish to attend the seminar.
Please bring your press credentials.
Contact Eva-Lena Fahlström Press Assistant +46 8 405 20 44 +46 70 699 39 95 email to Eva-Lena Fahlström, via the Senior registry clerk
Press release 29 July 2010 Ministry of the Environment Government preparing a national ban on bisphenol A in baby bottles Today the Government decided to instruct the Swedish Chemicals Agency and the National Food Administration to propose how a national ban on bisphenol A in baby bottles and in certain plastic products could be designed.
"A ban for the EU's 500 million inhabitants would of course have a greater impact than a ban for the 9 million people living in Sweden. But the process is too slow. Alternatives already exist and we should be extra careful where children are concerned. This is why we have chosen to prepare a national ban in parallel," says Mr Carlgren. "It is unacceptable that young children are exposed to the risks that have been proven to be associated with bisphenol A, especially when changing to alternative materials is easy. This is why we are now making the first move by preparing a national ban," says Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren.
Both agencies are to examine the need and conditions for a national ban on the use of bisphenol A in certain plastic products. The task includes drawing up a proposal for the specifics of the ban.
Bisphenol A is a component of polycarbonate plastics. It is already known that the substance has endocrine-disrupting properties. Recent animal tests on young individuals have indicated that the substance may impede learning and cause behaviour disorders, even in very low doses. Children run the risk of consuming bisphenol A, above all through bottles made from polycarbonates.
The European Food Safety Authority's scientific panel has therefore been instructed by the European Commission to evaluate the risks. The panel was expected to present its statement in mid-July, but announced that the work had been delayed and would be completed in September. The European Commission will then take a position on a possible regulation at EU level
Sweden's concern over the risks associated with bisphenol A is shared by several countries within and outside the EU. Both Denmark and France have introduced bans. The Danish ban covers use in all materials that come into contact with food intended for children between the ages of 0-3 years, while the French ban only applies until further notice to baby bottles. The use of the substance in baby bottles has also been banned in Canada, while US authorities are supporting voluntary initiatives to replace bisphenol A.
Those wanting to avoid bisphenol A from baby bottles can swap to a bottle made from a different plastic, glass or stainless steel, or choose not to heat the water in the bottle in the microwave. See the National Food Administration website: www.slv.se.
The report is to be submitted to the Ministry for the Environment no later than 31 March 2011.
Contact Jerker Forsell Desk Officer +46 8 405 39 71 +46 70 389 39 71
Press release 08 July 2010 Ministry of the Environment Nina Cromnier new Director-General of the Swedish Chemicals Agency Today, the Government appointed Nina Cromnier as Director-General of the Swedish Chemicals Agency. Ms Cromnier will take up her post on 1 September.
"I am very pleased that Nina Cromnier is going to be the new Director-General of the Swedish Chemicals Agency. She has long experience of working in the chemicals area - nationally, at EU level, and globally - and is therefore an excellent choice to lead the Chemicals Agency into the future. The global negotiations on a mercury agreement have recently begun and intense work is under way in the EU to reduce the risks involved in chemical use," says Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren.
Ms Cromnier has a Master of Science in Chemical Technology and a Master of Economics, and is currently Director and Head of the Division for Eco-Management Strategies and Chemicals at the Ministry of the Environment. Ms Cromnier has worked at the Ministry of the Environment since 1995. Before this, she worked at the Swedish Waste Research Council and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.
Contact Lennart Bodén Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren
Press release 08 July 2010 Ministry of the Environment New objective for outdoor activity policy - the right of common access is the basis of outdoor recreation The objective of the outdoor activity policy is to support people's opportunities to spend time in nature and engage in outdoor recreation. The right of common access is the basis for this and nature is to be accessible for all. In addition, it is proposed that The Swedish Association for Outdoor Organisations distribute government grants to outdoor activity organisations. This is made clear in Government Bill 2009/10:238 Future outdoor recreation. The Government also intends to raise the appropriation for support to outdoor activity organisations by SEK 3 million per year in the coming budget.
"Sweden's forests, lakes, mountains and archipelagos are some of the unique environments providing great opportunities for an active outdoor recreation. The Government wants to promote and strengthen people's opportunities to take part in outdoor recreation. The right of common access is key and is to be safeguarded even more carefully. Outdoor recreation is positive for both public health and well-being, but it can also contribute to rural development and regional growth," comments Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren.
When it comes to the right of common access, it is particularly important to make access easier for people with special needs. This is a responsibility for the state, municipalities and outdoor activity organisations. The right of common access is key and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency will be given clearer responsibility to safeguard and promote the right of common access through guidance, dissemination of knowledge, coordination and collaboration with other agencies and associations.
It is also proposed in the Bill that the non-profit organisation The Swedish Association for Outdoor Organisations distribute the government appropriation to outdoor activity organisations. The Swedish Association for Outdoor Organisations is an umbrella organisation with 22 member organisations and two million members. The proposal strengthens the position of outdoor activity organisations and The Swedish Association for Outdoor Organisations has the specialist knowledge needed to conduct this work.
Contact Lennart Bodén Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren Ruona Burman Deputy Director +46 8 405 21 36
Press release 01 July 2010 Ministry of the Environment Sweden to take over the Chair of HELCOM and the work to save the Baltic Sea On 1 July Sweden will take over the Chair of the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM) for the protection of the Baltic marine environment. Sweden will thus take the lead in the work to save the marine environment of the Baltic Sea over the next two years, until 2012.
"The most important task will be to strengthen work on implementing the Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP). This means that all countries around the Baltic Sea must implement their national action plans to reduce emissions of eutrophying substances and other harmful substances," says Minister for the Environment Andreas Related Carlgren in a comment. Swedish Chairmanship of Helsinki Commission 2010- Ambassador for the Marine Environment Gabriella Lindholm will chair HELCOM on behalf of Sweden. 2012
"HELCOM plays a vital role in achieving the goals set for the Baltic marine environment. National responsibility and national financing are essential, but strengthened cooperation with and financing from international and regional financial institutions will likewise be important. These include the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) and the Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (NEFCO)," says Ms Lindholm.
"Sweden and I will also help modernise work within HELCOM, and increase the participation of various sectors, such as agriculture, fisheries and shipping as well as the business sector and civil society," says Ms Lindholm.
Sweden will also act to ensure that regular high-level meetings at ministerial level are held within HELCOM, strengthen HELCOM's role in implementing EU policy that affects the Baltic Sea region and ensure that decisions taken within HELCOM are based on the best scientific data available.
The Government generally gives high priority to work with the marine environment and especially with regard to the Baltic Sea. When the Alliance Government assumed office the budget in principle did not include an appropriation for the marine environment. During this electoral period, a total of SEK 1 billion is being invested in the marine environment. The Government has invested in measures that produce quick results, including: oxygenation of sea beds ban on phosphates in detergents cleaning up the west coast's rocky beaches contributing some SEK 120 million per year to local water management initiatives through the 'LOVA grant'. This can be used for such measures as the installation of hull cleaning stations or mussel farms.
The long-term investments needed to fulfil the Swedish HELCOM commitments aimed at reducing emissions of nitrogen and phosphorus are reported in the National Marine Environment publication that was presented in May 2010. The following are some of the measures involved: Removal efficiency of at least 80 per cent for the larger wastewater treatment plants Additional measures in agriculture through the use of funds from the Rural Development Programme, totalling SEK 800 million. Measures include better opportunities for cultivating catch crops that prevent emissions into water, constructing riparian strips next to bodies of water, establishing wetlands and special dams for phosphorus separation. Support to cooperation in the field of agriculture in the Baltic Deal, Baltic Compass and Baltic Agreement projects.
Background Ambassador for the Marine Environment Gabriella Lindholm, who will chair HELCOM, has thirty years experience of foreign policy work. She was attached to the Ministry of the Environment in 2008 after having served as Ambassador in Lisbon. She served as Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna from 2000 until 2005.
Contact Lennart Bodén Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren
Press release 28 June 2010 Ministry of the Environment Sustainable cities Swedish theme at Expo 2010 in Shanghai The Government is to hold the Sino-Swedish SymbioCity Forum on 1-2 July at the Swedish Pavilion at Expo 2010 in Shanghai. The Forum is being held in cooperation with the Chinese Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, and will highlight Swedish and Chinese experience and solutions for the sustainable cities of the future. Participants include State Secretaries Elisabet Falemo from the Ministry of the Environment and Ola Alterå from the Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications.
"Global urbanisation means that cities will have a key role in combating climate change and tackling environmental problems. In China alone, more than 18 million people move to rapidly growing cities every year. This is an enormous challenge, but also an opportunity to create more energy-efficient solutions and External links provide opportunities for a better quality of life," says Ms Falemo. Swedish pavilion on the Sweden Expo 2010:s website "Swedish experience and environmental technology solutions in this area are very interesting from a Chinese point of view. It is very positive that China wants to cooperate with Sweden to create sustainable cities," says Mr Alterå.
Others participating alongside Ms Falemo and Mr Alterå in the Forum include the Government's coordinator of environmental technology cooperation with China, Mats Denninger, and representatives of several Swedish government agencies, the City of Malmö and around twenty Swedish companies involved in sustainable urban planning and environmental technology.
From the Chinese side, participants include Vice Minister Qiu Baoxing and a large number of decision-makers at national and local level and business representatives. In connection with the Forum, the Ministry of the Environment will sign an agreement with the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development concerning cooperation on sustainable cities and environmental technology. On 3 July, the Swedish delegation will also take part in meetings in the city of Wuxi, where Swedish companies are helping to develop a large new eco- city.
Contact Lennart Bodén Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren
Press release 24 June 2010 Ministry of the Environment Andreas Carlgren on the IWC negotiations:"Deeply regrettable that uncontrolled whaling can continue" "It is deeply regrettable that uncontrolled whaling, which is taking place due to loopholes in current regulations, can continue for at least another year." This comment was made by Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren after the negotiations in the International Whaling Commission (IWC) regarding a management plan were discontinued.
"Sweden's line has been clear - to give the IWC full control over whaling and to dramatically reduce hunting. Sweden, like the rest of the EU, wanted to reach an agreement that would close the loopholes and entail a ban on commercial whaling in the IWC, a ban on scientific whaling and thus protect whales. This line was based on the proposal presented by Chile, which is currently the Chair of the IWC. The result now is that whaling nations can continue to hunt on their own terms without restriction, supervision or control. The current ban exists on paper, not in reality," says Mr Carlgren.
"The only way to reduce whaling is by putting external pressure on the whaling nations and through an agreement in the IWC that includes Japan, Norway and Iceland. The current situation is the worst possible for the whale population in the world's oceans. Whaling will now continue uncontrolled," says Mr Carlgren.
Below are issues for which Sweden has worked: To close all loopholes in the regulations A ban on commercial whaling in the IWC Dramatically reduced quotas for whaling nations Preventing new nations from hunting whales A ban on scientific whaling To cease whaling in the Antarctic as soon as possible A whale sanctuary to protect whales in the South Atlantic.
In light of the fact that the right of NGOs to insight and information was strongly restricted at the IWC meeting, Sweden has also informed the IWC Chair and the EU that we consider that NGOs are to have insight into work in the IWC in accordance with their observer status.
Contact Lennart Bodén Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren
Press release 07 June 2010 Ministry of the Environment Global mercury agreement goal for UN process to start on 7 June - Andreas Carlgren to deliver opening address Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren will deliver the opening address as representative of Sweden/the Nordic countries when they jointly host the first negotiating session on a global mercury convention, held at Scandic Infra City, Stockholm/Upplands Väsby, on 7-11 June. A new global convention that regulates both the use and emissions of mercury is expected to be ready in 2013.
Time and place External links Time: Monday 7 June 2010 at 10.00. Press conference: 11.30. Measures to reduce mercury Place: Scandic Infra City, Kanalvägen 10, Upplands Väsby, meeting room Foxtrot/Golf. emissions Please bring your press credentials and identification.
"The extensive mercury pollution is perhaps the greatest challenge that the world faces when it comes to risks with chemical substances. Sweden and the other Nordic countries have long been very active in the process of drafting global rules. I am therefore both pleased and proud that we can host the historic launch of the negotiations on a mercury convention," says Mr Carlgren.
"Cooperation on mercury is an excellent example of how we in the Nordic countries can jointly and successfully actively influence global processes. We will continue to drive this issue together and pave the way for an ambitious global mercury agreement that can be signed in 2013," says Mr Carlgren.
The session brings together hundreds of decision-makers, experts and officials from governments and international organisations, as well as representatives of the environmental movement and other NGOs from around the world. The Ministry of the Environment is responsible for the planning of the session, while funds for financing are being supplied by the Nordic Council of Ministers.
The conference will open on Monday 7 June at 10.00 with speeches by UNEP Deputy Executive Director Angela Cropper, Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren and others. The opening will be webcast live on the Government website. The media are invited to follow the opening and the subsequent press conference.
Participants: Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren, Sweden and the Nordic Council of Ministers Angela Cropper, Deputy Executive Director, UNEP Jorge Patrone, Vice Minister of Environment, Uruguay.
Mercury a threat to people and environment Mercury is one of the most dangerous environmental toxins and can be a threat to both human health and the environment. The Government banned the use of mercury in Sweden on 1 June 2009. Sweden and the EU's goal is clear: legally binding international measures are also needed.
Mercury and its compounds primarily have a negative impact on the nervous system and its development, and also on the cardiovascular system, immune system, reproductive system and the kidneys. Nervous system development disorders and toxicity to the central nervous system are the most sensitive and best documented effects.
Continued deposition over Sweden - burning coal to blame Despite efforts to limit the use and emissions of mercury, there is still extensive deposition over Sweden. This is primarily due to long-range air transport from the rest of Europe, but also from other parts of the world. Even though the deposition of mercury has decreased in recent decades it is not enough to prevent mercury levels in the environment from increasing. For example, the levels in the upper layer of forest land are increasing by some 0.5 per cent annually. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency estimates that deposition of mercury must be reduced by 80 per cent so that in the long term we can reach levels in fish that do not exceed the WHO/FAO limit of no more than 0.5 mg mercury/kg fish. The biggest source of global mercury emissions into the air is burning coal. Other sources of emissions include smelting plants, crematoriums (amalgam fillings) and waste incineration (mercury in products). Mercury is also spread directly into land and water by such means as emissions from industry, leaching from rubbish tips and through spreading sewage sludge.
Sweden's ban The general ban on mercury that was introduced in January 2009 means that Sweden has already taken the lead in removing mercury and protecting the environment from it. The Government's decision meant that products containing mercury may not be placed on the Swedish market. In practice this means that alternative techniques must be used in dental care, chemical analysis and the chlor-alkali industry.
"The Swedish ban should also be seen as a contribution to the objectives of both the EU and the UN. We will actively spread our experience of the opportunities for using mercury-free technology, not least in dental care," says Mr Carlgren.
About the UNEP session Negotiations on a global mercury convention within the framework of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) will begin in Stockholm in June 2010 through a week-long session. It is the first of five planned meetings. Through the delegations presenting their proposals on how to approach the various parts of the problem, the meeting is expected to lay the foundations for the concrete negotiations on a convention text beginning with the second meeting.
In February 2009 world environment ministers agreed that negotiations should be opened on a global mercury convention covering all types of use and emissions. In autumn 2009 Sweden led the UN group in a preparatory negotiation session and Sweden also represents the EU in the steering group for the negotiations.
The Nordic countries have long been in agreement concerning the problem of mercury. Within the framework of the Nordic Council of Ministers, the countries have helped increase world involvement by producing background material and reports on such matters as the economic costs of failing to reduce emissions.
Contact Lennart Bodén Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren Jerker Forsell Desk Officer +46 8 405 39 71
Press release 07 June 2010 Ministry of the Environment Andreas Carlgren in national initiative for biodiversity: 290 municipalities receive postcards highlighting endangered species Local nature conservation efforts are crucial to preserving biodiversity. This is the message behind the national initiative to highlight endangered species and the importance of biodiversity presented today by the Ministry of the Environment, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and the County Administrative Boards. The Chairs of the 290 Municipal Executive Boards in the country will receive a postcard depicting a species that is endangered in their municipality and an appeal to take action. 2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity.
The issue will be taken up in the UN General Assembly in September and in October a global action plan for biodiversity will be negotiated in Nagoya, Japan. "The loss of plant and animal species is continuing at a worrying pace and may have far-reaching External links consequences in terms of the services nature provides, such as clean air, water, food, energy and protection against climate change. Preserving biodiversity is crucial for humanity and is one of the most demanding The initiative is presented on challenges we face. It is a matter both of global agreements, against the destruction of rainforests, for the Nature's Year website example, and of national and local efforts. Looking ahead to the Nagoya meeting in October, I hope to see the Read more: International Year countries of the world agree on an ambitious action plan," says Minister for the Environment Andreas of Biodiversity Carlgren. CBD web site
To mark World Environment Day on 5 June, Mr Carlgren is sending a postcard to the Chairs of all 290 of Sweden's Municipal Executive Boards to highlight the importance of biodiversity. Each postcard will highlight an endangered species in the municipality. The aim is to raise awareness of the issue and encourage local nature conservation efforts.
"My hope is that, through this initiative, every Chair of every Municipal Executive Board will feel a responsibility. Sometimes simple action is all that is required, such as careful planning or refraining from developing or changing a small area. In other cases more extensive measures may be required to achieve an overall solution to protect ecosystems and use them in a sustainable way," says Mr Carlgren.
As another part of the initiative, the Ministry of the Environment and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency are inviting examples of various actors' best practice in conserving and using biodiversity in a sustainable way.
"This Government has invested more money than any previous government in protecting forests and conserving biodiversity; the appropriation has risen from SEK 6 billion in the previous electoral period to SEK 7.5 billion in this one. The Government has also made a major investment in the marine environment of over SEK 1 billion," says Mr Carlgren.
Other measures include making grants available to local nature conservation projects via the LONA programme, to the tune of SEK 50 million annually. In 2010 the Government will achieve the objective of protecting 400 000 hectares of forest by using state forests and not forcing compulsory purchases from small forest owners. The Komet programme, which offers additional nature conservation methods, increases local support and cooperation for nature conservation.
Contact Lennart Bodén Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren Sara Modin Information Officer +46 8 405 30 40 +46 76 770 25 30 Jens Mattsson Information Officer Jönköping County Administrative Board +46 76 135 52 63
Press release 03 June 2010 Ministry of the Environment New Planning and Building Act: Planning permission within ten weeks, Attention to be paid to climate and environment, Better controls of construction The key aims of the proposal for a new Planning and Building Act are ensuring that those applying for planning permission receive a response within ten weeks, tightening controls of construction work and taking the climate and environment into consideration in planning.
"Those applying for planning permission may be making the biggest investment of their lives, or realising their dream project, and they should have the certainty that the municipality will give a decision within ten weeks. We are strengthening the rights of the individual," says Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren.
"Other important changes include strengthening controls of construction work, making environmental considerations clearer in planning work, ensuring access to green areas for residents and improving buildings' accessibility for those with impaired mobility," says Mr Carlgren.
The Government approved the bill, entitled 'A simpler Planning and Building Act', on Thursday. The Act is intended to enter into force on 2 May 2011 and replace legislation from 1987 and 1994. The bill will be submitted to the Riksdag on 23 March and will then be available in full.
"Over the last four years, the inquiry has proposed over 250 different changes to the Planning and Building Act. We are modernising and clarifying the Act while retaining its fundamental aims: local self-government and municipal responsibility for planning matters," says Mr Carlgren.
"The new Act is also part of the Government's regulatory reform and a continuation of previous improvements. These include the right to erect accessory buildings of up to 15m2, compared to the previous limit of 10m2, and the fact that it will be easier to erect solar collectors and that 'seasonal' buildings will not require planning permission every year," says Mr Carlgren.
Significant improvements to the Act include:
For individuals Those applying for planning permission will receive a decision from the municipality within ten weeks. Planning permission will be able to become final and non-appealable, so that individuals do not risk having appeals brought against them further down the line; this is not currently the case. Citizens will be able to require their municipality to describe in advance the conditions that may be attached to planning permission. Individuals will be able to require a response from their municipality within four months if it intends to produce a detailed development plan for an area.
For increased accessibility An assessment of the accessibility and usability of a building for people with impaired mobility or orientation is to be made at the planning permission stage. This will ensure that accessibility is provided for correctly from the very start.
Concerning green areas The requirement whereby account must always be taken of the need for green areas close to residential areas will be made clearer. Plans that are drawn up must take account of the need for squares, parks and other green areas in the vicinity of housing. Suitable open areas and places for play, exercise and other outdoor activities must also be available. There will be a stronger provision stating that green areas take precedence over, for example, parking spaces if there is insufficient room for both.
For climate and environmental efforts Municipalities are to take account of environmental and climate aspects in their planning work. This means both reduced climate impact and adaptation to climate change. In their planning, municipalities are to take account of the environmental quality objectives, regional climate and energy strategies, county plans for transport infrastructure and transport policy objectives. Climate matters are also to be considered in planning permission cases. If buildings will have a substantial impact on the environment, planning permission alone is insufficient; a detailed development plan is also required. Municipalities can, as a condition of planning permission, require measures against flooding and erosion, soil contamination and accidents.
For controls The regulations concerning inspections of construction work are to be strengthened by clarifying the required contents of inspection plans and the tasks and skills required of the inspection supervisor. The title inspection supervisor will replace the current title of quality assurance supervisor, as it corresponds better to the tasks that person will undertake.
For municipalities etc. The planning process will be simplified. A programme will no longer be required before a plan, as it often simply holds up the process of producing a detailed development plan. The process of exhibiting detailed development plans will be simplified and known as a 'review'. It will be compulsory to notify property owners when someone other than the property owner applies for planning permission or provisional approval. The county administrative boards will, at their own initiative, present overall documentation concerning central government interests once per term of office. This will help the municipalities when they review how up-to-date the comprehensive plans are. The current system of three financial penalties will be simplified and, at the same time, the penalties will be made uniform throughout the country.
Contact Lennart Bodén Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren Maria Ulfvarson Östlund Desk Officer +46 8 405 22 74 Camilla Adolfsson Deputy Director +46 8 405 34 69
Press release 29 March 2010 Ministry of the Environment Government reaching target for protecting forest of high nature conservation value The Government is reaching the target for formal protection of forest of high nature conservation value. The state-owned company Sveaskog is setting aside land amounting to 80 000 hectares for use in long-term protection of valuable nature owned by private land-owners and companies.
"We are now taking by far the largest step for nature conservation and for protecting our beautiful natural Swedish forests. When I became Minister for the Environment, I inherited a budget and toolbox that led both the Environmental Objectives Council and forest companies to conclude that the target for protection of valuable forests could not be reached before 2020 at the earliest. Now we are already reaching the target in 2010," says Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren, in a comment.
Biodiversity is a cornerstone of the Alliance Government's policy and the Government has given priority to protection of valuable nature. Particular priority has been given to the interim target of long-term protection of valuable forests, which comes under the environmental quality objective Sustainable Forests. The target specifies that 900 000 hectares of productive forest land of high nature conservation value is to be exempted from forestry by 2010. Of this, 500 000 hectares is to be achieved by voluntary set-asides by forest owners and 400 000 hectares by various forms of long-term state protection, such as nature reserves, biotope protection and nature conservation agreements.
The Government has augmented the budget and systematically sought other approaches, working methods and solutions to reach the target. The Government has increased appropriations for work on biodiversity from SEK 6 billion in 2003-2006 to SEK 7.5 billion under the Alliance Government. Supplementary methods have been developed, such as increased dialogue and participation in voluntary protection schemes. State-owned land is being used. First, valuable natural forests owned by Sveaskog were protected (60 000 hectares). Subsequently, land of high natural value owned by the National Property Board and the Swedish Fortifications Agency has been protected (51 000 hectares).
"The royal road to protection cannot be compulsory purchases of private landowners' property. Instead, we have focused primarily on state-owned land," says Mr Carlgren.
The Government is therefore now taking the next step. Sveaskog AB is setting aside land for compensation purposes to protect 80 000 hectares of forest that deserves protection and is owned by private landowners and companies. The land set aside for compensation will be supplied to the state by distribution from Sveaskog, either in the form of land or of a company with land. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and the county administrative boards concerned will conduct the exchanges of land and protect forests identified as having high natural value. The land now being protected has not previously had long-term protection.
In total, this means 191 000 hectares of state-owned land has now been used for forest protection. If the land had been bought from the companies in the usual way this would have cost the equivalent of close to SEK 10 billion.
"It is both important and pleasing that we are now shouldering the state's responsibility for reaching the target and protecting valuable forest. Under the Alliance Government, the protection previously thought to be quite impossible is now a fact. This gives us a strong foundation for moving forward in our work for biodiversity," says Mr Carlgren.
Contact Lennart Bodén Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren Björn Carlberg Desk Officer +46 8 405 29 19
Press release 16 March 2010 Ministry of the Environment Andreas Carlgren to attend meeting of environment ministers in Brussels Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren and the other EU environment ministers are meeting in Brussels today for the first Environment Council to be held under the Spanish Presidency. Climate, biodiversity and mercury issues are on the agenda.
This year, the global biodiversity 2010 target will be followed up and a long-term vision negotiated. The environment ministers are now to adopt Council conclusions on the EU vision and an overall objective for biological diversity in the EU. The Council conclusions are also to establish principles for an active and constructive EU in the global negotiations.
The environment ministers will also discuss the follow-up to the Copenhagen conference and the continuing process towards an international climate agreement. A key issue is the EU's position on the Kyoto Protocol and the demand for a legally binding agreement for all parties. Sweden wants the EU to prepare for a second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol.
At the Council meeting, Sweden has taken the initiative to call attention to the upcoming review of the EU Mercury Strategy.
At the Council meeting, the environment ministers will also discuss the proposed legislative instrument to reduce CO2 emissions from light commercial vehicles, and the European strategy for jobs and growth, i.e., EU 2020.
Contact Lennart Bodén Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren
Press release 16 March 2010 Ministry of the Environment Sweden wants the EU to prepare for a second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol At the Council meeting in Brussels on Monday, the EU environment ministers will discuss whether the EU should enter into a second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol. "Sweden wants the EU to announce that it is ready for a second commitment period," says Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren.
The conditions are that a sufficient number of industrialised countries make new commitments and that the United States makes equivalent commitments. The fastest growing economies among the developing countries also need to make commitments.
The EU environment ministers are preparing themselves following the Copenhagen conference and are now to discuss this year's climate negotiations on the basis of the Commission's communication 'Acting now to reinvigorate global action on climate change'. According to the communication, a legally binding agreement will probably be difficult to achieve in Mexico and therefore the question arises of what is to apply until a comprehensive agreement involving all countries is in place.
Commitments under the Kyoto Protocol, however, account for only 30 per cent of global emissions.
"Sweden considers it important to send a clear signal in the climate negotiations. Our Copenhagen ambitions remain: one single agreement for all the world's countries is essential and is the long-term solution for tackling the challenge of climate change. World leaders were not ready in Copenhagen and those of us at the forefront of climate change action now need to continue to specify our commitments for the short-term as well. A clear EU line is needed so a decision can be presented at the important negotiations in the spring," says Mr Carlgren.
When the negotiations at the UN Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen in December were blocked and then resulted in the Copenhagen Accord, a second commitment period never arose as an issue that the EU needed to take a position on.
"The EU is fully ready to enter into a legally binding agreement, but is aware that this will be difficult to achieve in Cancun in Mexico this autumn. We will focus on achieving concrete results on selected issues. It is also important then that the world's countries live up to the commitments to fund rapid action in developing countries."
The Copenhagen Accord contains 'fast start' commitments amounting to a total of EUR 2.4 billion per year (2010-2012) from the EU. To be able to demonstrate that we are meeting our commitments, clear reporting is key. Sweden will contribute a total of EUR 800 million to 'fast start' commitments over 2010-2012.
Sweden also supports the Commission's initiatives for a sustainable economy by 2050, an analysis of the targets for 2030 and the impact of, and steps required for, a 30 per cent reduction in the EU climate targets for 2020. The ultimate aim is to reduce emissions in the EU by 80-95 per cent by 2050.
"I welcome the fact that the Commission is now preparing the steps for a decision in the EU for a 30 per cent reduction in climate emissions by 2020, and also on what is needed for us to be able to achieve the reductions of up to 95 per cent by 2050 established under the Swedish Presidency," says Mr Carlgren.
Contact Lennart Bodén Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren Karin Rappsjö-Emanuelli Political Adviser +46 708 39 02 06
Press release 05 March 2010 Ministry of the Environment Preparations for addition of 20 new wolves to Sweden The third pillar of the Government's policy on large carnivores for a robust Swedish wolf population is now being made concrete. Twenty genetically healthy wolves are to be added to the Swedish wolf population over the next five years. The Swedish Board of Agriculture, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and the National Veterinary Institute are being tasked with reporting on and analysing relevant provisions that are taken account of when moving wolves to Sweden from another country. This is being done in consultation with the county administrative boards, the Swedish Customs, hunting organisations and other actors concerned.
"We must have vigorous wolves in our forests. We are now developing active measures to ensure that the wolf population is robust. The policy on large carnivores is connected to, and rests on, three pillars: licensed hunting which paves the way for measures to strengthen their genetic makeup, regionalised responsibility based on local influence to promote coexistence between people and predatory animals, and the addition of a maximum of 20 new wolves over a five-year period. This is not a matter of either or, but of both licensed hunting and the addition of new wolves," says Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren.
"The addition of new wolves can take place through natural migration, the relocation of migrant wolves past reindeer grazing areas or the relocation of wolves from another country to Sweden. These measures are necessary to ensure a sustainably robust wolf population," says Mr Carlgren.
Research has ascertained that the Swedish wolf population is showing clear signs of inbreeding depression, i.e. hereditary defects and impaired vitality as a result of inbreeding. Genetic tests that were forwarded by the National Veterinary Institute to the Wildlife Damage Centre in connection with autopsies of the wolves shot are currently being analysed. A report on these will shortly be presented by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. These analyses will show such features as the inbreeding coefficients for the culled wolves and the degree of inbreeding. The analyses, performed by the Museum of Natural History, of skeletal and possible inbreeding defects in, for example, vertebrae will be completed at the end of April.
A maximum of 20 individual wolves with a genetic makeup that has not been affected by inbreeding will be integrated into the Swedish wolf population over the next five years. Naturally migrating wolves will primarily be relocated from reindeer husbandry areas to populations outside these areas in central and southern Sweden. This will probably need to be supplemented by an active introduction of wolves of eastern origin that are not related to the Scandinavian wolves. The wolves will be placed outside reindeer husbandry areas in central and southern Sweden. Provided that these wolves reproduce, it will mean that the level of inbreeding will decline considerably in the long term.
The task assigned to the Swedish Board of Agriculture, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and the National Veterinary Institute includes: Analysing a suitable donor population from the genetic point of view Considering whether an intergovernmental agreement is needed Analysing the veterinary measures that are required to prevent disease/parasites Assessing the need for other veterinary measures when transporting the animals Proposing suitable areas for relocation from biological and socioeconomic perspectives Analysing how the relocated wolves will be monitored after being moved Showing whether several wolves should be relocated at the same time or whether it is more appropriate for the relocation to take place in stages
A report on this assigment is to be presented by 31 October 2010 at the latest.
Contact Lennart Bodén Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren Ruona Burman Deputy Director +46 8 405 21 36
Press release 04 March 2010 Ministry of the Environment Go-head for 1101 wind turbines to produce up to 12 TWh renewable electricity in Markbygden in Piteå The Government has decided to permit Markbygden Vind AB to build and run up to 1101 wind turbines of a total height of a maximum of 200 metres in the Markbygden area of Piteå Municipality. Fully built, the wind farm will produce up to 12 TWh of electricity per year, which is four times more than Sweden's present wind power production and equivalent to the average of what two Ringhals nuclear power reactors (R1 +R2) produced in 2005-2008.
"The Markbygden project is the largest ever wind power project planned in Sweden. When it is realised, the surplus of renewable energy will be equivalent to the domestic consumption of two million households in Sweden per year (not including electrical heating),"comments Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren.
"The Government is pursuing a very deliberate policy to increase the share of renewable electricity in Sweden. Wind power has a key role to play in this context. Three times as much wind power electricity is now being produced in Sweden compared with when the Government entered office and this growth is expected to continue. I am therefore very pleased that the Government can now grant a permit to Markbygden. This is a project that also has strong local political support," says Mr Carlgren.
The decision is bound up with the terms necessary to protect people's health and the environment, and the interests of the reindeer industry and defence.
Deliberations and terms
Reindeer industry The Government considers, given the terms prescribed, that the reindeer industry in the areas deemed to be of national interest will not be significantly hindered and that there are thus no obstacles to granting a permit. Almost the entire wind farm area is winter grazing land, primarily for the Östra Kikkejaure Sami village. Approximately a quarter of the Sami village's total winter grazing lands are included in the wind farm area, but only a very limited part of the area considered to be of national interest for the reindeer industry will be affected.
Terms More detailed planning and design of the wind farm and roads is to be undertaken together with the county administrative board and the Sami villages concerned, so as to limit their impact on the reindeer industry as far as possible. The company is to take measures to compensate for the interference caused by its activities to the reindeer industry in the area studied and the areas in its vicinity. In consultation with the county administrative board and the Sami villages concerned, the company is to draw up a programme for, and conduct studies of, the impact of the wind farm on the activities of the reindeer industry. These studies, which are to be paid for by the company, are to cover impact during construction and installation work and when the turbines are running compared with conditions before their construction. This programme is to be approved by the county administrative board. Construction and installation work may not begin before the county administrative board has approved the programme.
Nature values It has been considered that the project will not significantly affect the environment of the Natura 2000 areas and authorisation under the provisions of Natura 2000 will therefore not be required. The company is committed to excluding the Natura 2000 areas, the nature reserve, biotope protection and class 1 and 2 wetlands from the areas in which turbines will be placed. No area has been considered to be of national interest for nature, cultural or environmental conservation or for outdoor recreation. The Government expects the turbines and roads to be located so as to limit their impact on the nature values of the area as far as possible.
Terms More detailed planning and design of the wind farm and roads is to be undertaken together with the county administrative board and Piteå Municipality, so as to limit their impact on nature values as far as possible. Together with the county administrative board and Piteå Municipality, the company is to draw up a programme for, and conduct studies of, the impact of the wind farm on flora and fauna, particularly birds. These studies, which are to be paid for by the company, are to cover impact during construction and installation work and when the turbines are running, compared with conditions before their construction. This programme is to be approved by the county administrative board. Construction and installation work may not begin before the county administrative board has approved the programme.
Defence The Government considers that defence interests do not constitute an obstacle to establishing the wind farm as a whole. The exact location and design of each turbine in the area studied are to be approved by the Swedish Armed Forces before construction and installation work on the wind farm begins.
The further process Following the Government's decision, the matter will be returned to the environmental assessment committee, which is to decide on the more detailed contents of the permit, and apart from the terms prescribed by the Government, on the terms to apply for the permit. Construction and installation measures required for these activities must have been taken by 31 December 2021 at the latest. The permit applies for 30 years from the date the company notifies the county administrative board that operations or parts of it have begun. The wind farm area is a total of some 450 km2 but the actual area of land to be used is only some 15 km2, i.e. around 3.3 per cent, including storage sites, new roads and areas for new power lines.
Contact Lennart Bodén Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren Ann Bölske Deputy Director +46 8 405 35 54 2009
Press release 22 December 2009 Ministry of the Environment Baltic Sea to be pilot project in EU work for cleaner seas The Baltic Sea will be a pilot project in EU marine environment work. Phosphates in detergents will be banned in the EU. The European Commission will now draft a proposal aimed at phasing out and banning phosphates.
This was the result when, at today's Environment Council, EU environment ministers adopted Council conclusions on regional marine issues and on implementation of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. "We are now taking vigorous measures against eutrophication in the Baltic Sea and to improve the External links environment in all EU seas. Making the Baltic Sea a pilot project and the ban on phosphates have been two of the Swedish Presidency's most important environment issues," says Minister for the Environment Andreas Webcast: Minister for the Carlgren. Environment on final meeting on the website for the Swedish Presidency of the EU "The Baltic Sea is one of Europe's most polluted inland seas, where we now can move ahead with important initiatives for a better environment. The measures and the regional strategies that will be tested in the Baltic Sea can later be used in other European seas."
The Commission will quickly draft a proposal for an EU-wide ban on phosphates in detergents aimed at reducing eutrophication.
"Phosphates in detergents contribute greatly to the eutrophication of our rivers, lakes and seas. This is particularly true in the areas where wastewater management is deficient. Phosphorus is a main source of the recurring algal blooms. Several EU countries have introduced or have begun considering bans, but today's decision is a step towards a general ban at EU level," says Mr Carlgren.
The Environment Council's conclusions also mean that EU environment ministers urge the Commission to speedily designate the Baltic Sea as a pilot project for quicker and more stringent measures, and with special opportunities for support. The EU directive for the marine environment - the Marine Strategy Directive - allows for the possibility of designating a particularly polluted marine area as a pilot project where measures are taken more quickly and more effectively than otherwise required by the directive. When a marine area becomes a pilot project, the measures can receive support from the European Commission. Today's decision means that the Commission will take a speedy decision on designating the Baltic Sea a pilot project.
The decision by the Environment Council also means that the regional marine conventions will have a more significant role in improving the marine environment. The EU gives strong support to the Baltic Sea Action Plan drawn up by HELCOM. The Environment Council also gave special attention to the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, which was adopted by the European Council in October. The Strategy is an example of cross-sectoral regional cooperation to strengthen measures for a better marine environment.
Contact Lennart Bodén Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren
Press release 22 December 2009 Ministry of the Environment EU unites for forceful action on biodiversity in 2010 Today EU environment ministers agreed on Council conclusions in preparation for the formulation of global biodiversity targets in 2010.
"Alongside the continued debate on climate change, biodiversity is the next major environmental issue. The EU is now uniting around a long-term vision for living on the returns of nature without breaking into the capital. We are also sending a signal to the rest of the world that there is a need to support particularly External links vulnerable countries through aid, innovative financing and knowledge development, so as to enable them to meet biodiversity goals," says Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren. Read more about the Council meeting on the website of the Swedish Presidency of the EU: The conclusions provide the EU with a common basis for discussions at the UNEP meeting in Bali in February, the UN General Assembly high-level meeting in September and the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in October 2010. Spain plans to adopt a new EU biodiversity target in spring 2010, based on a proposal from the European Commission expected at the beginning of the year.
The EU wants to raise the level of ambition and insight to preserve and rebuild the natural capital of the earth - its ecosystems, biodiversity and other natural resources - during this century. An important part of this is the establishment of a research panel for biodiversity and ecosystem services corresponding to that existing for the climate.
"During the Presidency we have initiated discussions on clarifying the value of ecosystems for the economy. We now call on the industries that make use of ecosystem services, such as forestry, agriculture and fisheries, to set clear targets for biodiversity and sustainable use," says Mr Carlgren.
Contact Lennart Bodén Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren
Press release 22 December 2009 Ministry of the Environment Environment Council strengthens work against effects of chemical cocktails Today EU environment ministers called on the European Commission to strengthen its work on managing the risks posed by combination effects of chemicals. EU legislation needs to take combination effects into account.
"Chemicals that we surround ourselves with every day can be dangerous to public health in combination. Evaluating the risks posed by individual chemicals on their own is not enough. Now we are strengthening the work being done and call on the Commission to adapt the legislation to take combination effects into account," External links says Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren. Read more about the Council meeting on the website of the Today the Environment Council has adopted Council conclusions tasking the Commission with producing a Swedish Presidency of the EU: recommendation in 2010 on how exposure to combinations of endocrine disruptors should be dealt with in existing legislation. The conclusions also instruct the Commission to evaluate in 2011 the extent to which existing legislation is adequate to manage risks resulting from exposure, and to consider appropriate amendments.
"To protect our health and environment, account needs to be taken of how chemicals interact with one another. Work on adapting the EU legislation needs to be undertaken promptly, beginning next year," says Mr Carlgren.
Contact Lennart Bodén Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren
Press release 15 December 2009 Ministry of the Environment Swedish greenhouse gas emissions at record low in 2008 Sweden continues to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, which in 2008 reached a record low. In 2008, emissions dropped by a further 2.2 million tonnes compared with 1990 levels. Total Swedish emissions have now fallen by almost 12 per cent since 1990.
"The new emissions figures are very pleasing. Adapting and renewing our climate policy has produced results. The Alliance Government is delivering. This major reduction in emissions confirms that Sweden is at the forefront and that we more than fulfil our Kyoto commitments," says Minister for the Environment Andreas External links Carlgren. Read more about the emissions statistics on the "We have strengthened instruments so that the polluter pays, leading to a dramatic changeover from Swedish Environmental dependence on fossil fuels to green investments and emissions reductions. One such strengthened instrument Protection Agency website: is the carbon dioxide tax," says Mr Carlgren.
Sweden has cut its greenhouse gas emissions for the fifth consecutive year. The Ministry of the Environment has received the preliminary data on Swedish greenhouse gas emissions for 2008. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's overview shows that overall emissions of the most important greenhouse gases covered by the Kyoto Protocol continue to fall. The period 2006 to 2007 saw a reduction of about 2.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents, the second largest reduction since 1990. Emissions in 2008 were the lowest for the entire period since 1990. Total emissions have now fallen by about 8.5 million tonnes or 11.7 per cent since 1990, and in 2008 amounted to approximately 64 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents.
According to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, there are several reasons for the reduction in emissions. Further reductions are taking place in housing and non-residential premises, industry and the waste sector. Transport emissions also fell between 2007 and 2008.
"We are pleased to see that the trend has been broken and that emissions from the transport sector are now beginning to fall. The Government has promoted the transition through higher petrol tax and green car incentives. We inherited Europe's oldest and most petrol-thirsty fleet, and we are now one of the countries with the lowest emissions from new cars," says Mr Carlgren.
The green car rebate, carbon dioxide tax and support to biogas fuel stations are some of the measures the Government has taken.
Contact Lennart Bodén Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren Conny Hägg Senior Adviser Ministry of the Environment +46 8 405 21 90 + 46 70 377 67 01
Press release 07 December 2009 Ministry of the Environment Focus on sustainable cities during UN climate conference in Copenhagen The Ministry of the Environment, together with the cities of Stockholm and Malmö, is organising a side event 8th of December, at the Bella Center on the role of cities in the challenge of climate change during the COP15 climate conference. Participants include Elisabet Falemo, State Secretary at the Ministry of the Environment, Ulla Hamilton, Vice Mayor of the City of Stockholm and Head of the Environmental and Traffic Division, and Anders Rubin, Municipal Commissioner in Malmö.
The arrangement is part of the Swedish EU Presidency's priorities for an eco-efficient economy, where growth and environmental considerations go hand in hand. The three organisers want to help more people realise the role that cities play in environmental efforts by showing positive examples of how urban engineering and Download planning become tools in these efforts. Side event Programme (pdf 331 kB) "Sustainable urban development and the development of environmental technology are important in the work on climate change. The Swedish Presidency has placed great emphasis on this issue, and Sweden and the EU must take the lead in the work for sustainable cities, both at home and in cooperation with other parts of the world - not least in Africa and Asia, where cities are growing at an enormously fast pace," says Minister for the External links Environment Andreas Carlgren. Read more about United Nations Climate Change "Seeing as Stockholm has been selected as the European Green Capital 2010, climate-smart construction is at Conference, COP 15 and side the top of my agenda. By building climate-smart housing and urban districts, with environmentally-friendly events at the web site for the district heating, energy-saving housing and expanded public transport, we can tackle tomorrow's climate Swedish EU Presidency challenges," says Ulla Hamilton, Head of the City of Stockholm's Environmental and Traffic Division.
"Malmö is already at the international forefront when it comes to sustainable development efforts. Through our new environmental programme, our aim now is to become the world leader in sustainable urban development in ten years time, and our vision is that in twenty years, Malmö's energy systems are to be supplied solely by renewable energy sources," says Anders Rubin, Municipal Commissioner with responsibility for housing and urban environment in Malmö.
Also taking part in the event are representatives of the European Commission, the World Bank, the World Wide Fund for Nature, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) and Chinese cities. One particular area that will be in focus will be the potential for cooperation with China. The meeting will be chaired by Peter Örn, Chair of the Swedish Delegation for Sustainable Cities, and will build upon the conference on the role of cities in the work on climate change that was held in Stockholm in September.
Contact Anna Bäckman +46 8 405 10 00 Ola Göransson Desk Officer Ministry of the Environment 46 8 405 23 64 Helena Öhman, Press Secretary to Vice Mayor Ulla Hamilton, +46 76 12 29 222. helena.oman@ stadshuset.stockholm.se Bertil Månsson Press contact Malmö City +46 70 623 85 71
Press release 03 December 2009 Ministry of the Environment Government carbon offsetting On Thursday, the Government approved a carbon offsetting scheme for 2009 for travel undertaken by politicians and employees at the Government Offices. This means that the Swedish Energy Agency will be tasked with calculating and purchasing emissions reductions equivalent to the emissions generated by travel undertaken by government officials.
"We will contribute compensation to offset climate change as a matter of course, until we can fly on the climate's terms. The Ministry of the Environment did so for the delegation to the climate summit in Bali as early as 2007, before we had had time to introduce carbon offsetting for the entire Government Offices, which is the case now," comments Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren.
This carbon offsetting scheme will be achieved through the purchase by the Swedish Energy Agency of Certified Emissions Reductions from the Clean Development Mechanism Project (CDM) under the Kyoto Protocol. The project must be approved by the CDM Board, to ensure that they add to emissions reductions and are not a project that would have been implemented even without being part of the CDM. The Swedish Energy Agency will manage this, and ensure quality assurance throughout the process.
The objective is for aviation to bear its full environmental costs in the future. When this happens, there will be no need for special carbon offsetting.
Background
The Government Offices is a travel-intensive organisation. Two of the most common destinations are Brussels (EU) and New York (UN). Although telephones and video-conferences are used when possible, many meetings require personal attendance. The Government Offices' travel agency produces statistics of air miles and destinations. Estimates are then made for carbon offsetting based on distance and number of intermediate landings.
When travelling domestically, trains should primarily be chosen for short or medium-distance travel. With regard to taxi journeys, there is a framework agreement which means that these are carbon offset. The Swedish Government is one of the few governments in the world that pays climate compensation for travel in the course of duty.
Contact Lennart Bodén Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren Johanna Jansson Desk Officer +46 8405 16 90 +46 7303916 90
Press release 26 November 2009 Ministry of the Environment Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren comments on the USA's climate offer
"I welcome the fact that the USA has now presented an offer on emissions reductions in the international climate negotiations and before the summit in Copenhagen. The EU will carefully analyse what the offer involves and how it can be coupled to a binding international agreement", comments Minister for the External links Environment Andreas Carlgren. United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP 15 "With this offer, the USA is preparing for a significant reduction in emissions compared with the present situation. It is of value that the USA has also presented offers for 2025 and 2030 that increase the credibility of the offer presented. I note that the offer for the period after 2020 appears to state more rapid reductions than the EU's commitment does," says Mr Carlgren.
"However, I regret that the level of emissions reductions up to 2020 is not higher, as previous estimates indicate that it is possible for the USA to do more. We will analyse what the offer means and the possibilities for the USA to achieve greater emissions reductions, for example by means of further action against deforestation and in developing countries", says Mr Carlgren.
"The fact that President Obama will be coming to Copenhagen raises expectations, but I have been expecting him to participate at the meeting of heads of state and government at the end of COP15."
Contact Lennart Bodén Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren
Press release 24 November 2009 Ministry of the Environment EU demands that Copenhagen Conference result in rapid action for rainforests The EU wants a Copenhagen agreement to contain rapid action for adaptation measures and against deforestation. This was the message presented by Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren in a debate in the European Parliament on Tuesday.
"Rapid funds for adaptation measures and measures against rainforest devastation are crucial. We must take rapid action if we are to divert the global emissions curve downwards. Rapid action is crucial if we are to have any possibility of keeping global warming below 2 degrees Celsius," says Mr Carlgren. External links The Meeting of the European The EU has established that emissions from international transport must be reduced. A 10 per cent reduction Parliament on the web site for for air transport and a 20 per cent reduction for maritime transport compared with 2005 levels are needed by the Swedish Presidency to the 2020. This will mean a reduction in emissions from currently unregulated sectors. EU
"The EU is calling for the Copenhagen Conference to lead to fees from air and maritime transport being used to pay for initiatives in developing countries, particularly the very poorest ones," says Mr Carlgren.
Deforestation is responsible for one fifth of global emissions. Initiatives for the rainforest are needed in order to keep global warming below two degrees Celsius.
"Rainforest devastation must be halved by 2020 and stopped by 2030. The EU is calling for the Copenhagen Conference to take decisions to stop rainforest devastation, support reforestation and create sustainable forestry. This is the only way to reduce emissions sufficiently quickly and achieve success in Copenhagen."
The EU has established that it should reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by 80-95 per cent by 2050, compared with 1990 levels. Irrespective of other circumstances the EU will reduce emissions by 20 per cent by 2020, but it wants to reduce them by 30 per cent if other partners are willing to commit to sufficient emissions reductions. Using its own far-reaching bids as a basis, the EU is continuing to press for other partners to raise their bids in the negotiations.
"There has been talk ahead of Copenhagen of a 'two-step solution'. For the EU, the agreement in Copenhagen is rather the decisive step. It is in Copenhagen that the decision for the climate must be taken, containing all that is important to save the climate. The Earth's climate has waited long enough. The time for an agreement is now."
Contact Lennart Bodén Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren
Press release 19 November 2009 Ministry of the Environment Welcome to a press briefing ahead of the Copenhagen Climate Summit (COP15)
Time and place External links Date: Thursday 26 November United Nations Climate Time: 13.00-15.30 Change Conference, COP 15 Place: Ministry for Foreign Affairs Press Centre, Fredsgatan 6, Stockholm
Aim: To give a more detailed picture of what will happen in Copenhagen and of the issues at stake, and to clarify what tools are available to the media.
Target group: Journalists intending to cover COP15, either on the ground or remotely. Please note that this press briefing will be held in Swedish. Please bring your press credentials.
Speakers: Officials from the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Swedish Energy Agency who are part of the Swedish delegation to COP15.
Programme 13.00-13.10 Welcome and presentation 13.10-13.30 Quick guide to the negotiations 13.30-14.00 Financing and adaptation 14.00-14.15 Coffee 14.15-14.45 Technology and forests 14.45-15.15 Questions and discussion 15.15-15.30 Media tools and press contacts in Copenhagen
Contact Anna Bäckman +46 8 405 10 00 Journalists interested in attending are requested to give prior notification to Anna Bäckman no later than 23 November.
Press release 05 November 2009 Ministry of the Environment Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications Government says 'yes' to Nord Stream's gas pipeline The Government is to grant a permit to Nord Stream AG to lay two pipelines for transporting natural gas in international waters within the Swedish exclusive economic zone in the Baltic Sea.
The basis of the Government's decision is that all states are entitled to lay pipelines in international waters and on the continental shelf of a coastal state. The Government's room for manoeuvre has thus been considerably more limited than it is when considering applications concerning Swedish territorial waters or construction in Sweden. Safeguarding the Baltic Sea environment is, however, a priority issue for the Government. The Government has therefore set strict requirements for the company to clarify the possible impact of the project.
"The Government has set tough conditions to ensure that the sensitive environment of the Baltic Sea is not jeopardised. We have undertaken an extremely extensive study of the environmental impact of these pipelines. The company has been required to make several supplementary studies and have step by step complied with the referral bodies' viewpoints. I am able to state that no central government agency has subsequently opposed the project as a whole. Approval of the application is thus the only possible decision," comments Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren.
Examination of the application based on international law and Swedish legislation has been extensive. The Convention on the Law of the Sea has constituted the legal framework. An examination has been conducted under the Continental Shelf Act. Extensive consultations have been held with Germany, Denmark, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland under the Espoo Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context. Several rounds of referrals have been conducted with Swedish government agencies.
Under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, all States are required to protect and preserve the marine environment, with particular responsibility for a coastal state to prevent harmful environmental impact in its exclusive economic zone and its continental shelf. Account has been taken of this when examining the company's application.
The decision to approve the application is conditional on several far-reaching terms and commitments, including: the location of the pipelines, which will be determined according to the coordinates set by the Geological Survey of Sweden, requirements for the company to have a control programme for monitoring activities, to be produced in consultation with the Swedish agencies concerned, permission for muddiness, caused by work on the seabed in connection with laying each pipeline, up to a standard level of a maximum of 15 mg/litre at the border between Hoburgs bank and Norra Midsjöbank, requirements for operations to take place in accordance with the commitments made by the company in its application and supplements, such as not to undertake construction work in areas that are important for cod spawning during the period May-October, full responsibility of the company for account being taken of military remains when constructing and operating the pipelines, responsibility of the company for information and planning as regards phase-out and restoration of the environment when relevant.
"There are now a number of conditions and commitments from the company to safeguard the environment, fisheries and shipping of the Baltic Sea. The impact on the Baltic Sea environment, according to the national government agencies, will be extremely limited, and only during a brief period in connection with construction. The Government thus considers that the route applied for is compatible with Sweden's obligations to protect and preserve the marine environment," says Mr Carlgren.
"Sweden has a long tradition of compliance with international law and conventions. This will not be broken. The Convention on the Law of the Sea entitles all countries to our seas and is important for promoting peace and security in the world," says Mr Carlgren.
Contact Lennart Bodén Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren Maria Dahl Tolgerson Senior Adviser +46 8 405 47 91
Press release 05 November 2009 Ministry of the Environment Press invitation Press briefing in connection with the Government decision concerning Nord Stream AG's application.
Time and place Time: Thursday 5 November 2009, at 10.30 Place: Bella Venezia, Rosenbad.
Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren will report on the Government decision concerning Nord Stream AG's application to lay two natural gas pipelines on the continental shelf within Sweden's exclusive economic zone in the Baltic Sea.
Media representatives must present their press credentials.
Contact Lennart Bodén Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren
Press release 02 November 2009 Ministry of the Environment "Other developed countries should also demonstrate their leadership" Today Minister for the Environment, Andreas Carlgren, spoke at a press conference in the framework of the UNFCCC meeting in Barcelona.
- We have 34 days and 19 hours until Copenhagen and the EU expects a comprehensive and ambitious agreement. It should cover all elements, such as mitigation, adaptation, financing, technology transfer, and good governance, Minister Carlgren said.
- The European Union is more than ever fully determined to reach such a deal. Failure is just not an option. Other developed countries should also demonstrate their leadership and commit to ambitious emission reductions and step up their current pledges, Carlgren stressed.
- The EU is firmly committed to the Kyoto Protocol. We have taken our obligations seriously and will meet our targets. We want an internationally binding agreement that builds on the Kyoto Protocol. We want all developed countries to commit to internationally binding, quantified, emission limitation reduction commitments. And all countries should take immediate action, Carlgren said.
At the recent EU Environment Council and EU-summit, member states have agreed to an objective of emission reductions for 2050 of 80-95 percent compared to 1990. EU call upon other developed countries to adopt long term targets in line with this level of ambition.
The EU urges developed country parties to step up their current pledges for mid-term goals in line with science. They should commit to reductions in the order of 30 percent below 1990 by 2020.
- All sectors need to be part of the future regime. We want the aviation sector to reduce emissions by 10 percent, and the maritime sector by 20 percent in 2020 compared to 2005 levels Carlgren said.
The EU has estimated the total net incremental cost of mitigation and adaptation in developing countries could amount to around EUR 100 billion annually by 2020. The international public support component of that is estimated to lie in the range of 22 to 50 billion per year by 2020.
EU stresses that such financing should not undermine or jeopardize the fight against poverty and continued progress towards the Millennium Development Goals. Innovative financing can play a role in ensuring predictable flows of financing for sustainable development, especially towards the poorest and most vulnerable countries.
EU leaders has recognized that fast-start financing will be required already pre-2013. Global financing of EUR 5-7 billion per year will be needed for the first three years following an ambitious agreement in Copenhagen.
- Adequate, predictable and timely financial support of a Copenhagen agreement is crucial and the EU is prepared to take on its fair share. The global distribution key should be based on emission levels and on GDP, reflecting both responsibility for global emissions and ability to pay, with a considerable weight on emission levels, Carlgren concluded.
Contact Lennart Bodén Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren
Press release 21 October 2009 Ministry of the Environment Andreas Carlgren on unanimous Environment Council
"The EU is now sending a forceful and clear signal to other countries in the run-up to the climate meeting in Copenhagen. We are prepared to show the political leadership necessary to save the climate and reach an agreement in Copenhagen that will keep global warming to under two degrees Centigrade." This was the statement made by Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren on Wednesday after the EU environment ministers agreed on Council Conclusions in the area of climate ahead of the meeting in Copenhagen.
The most important features of the agreement arë: Long-term targets for the EU of 80-95 per cent emissions reductions by 2050 compared with 1990 levels. imitations on emissions from international aviation and shipping by 10 and 20 per cent respectively by 2020 compared with 2005 levels, within the framework of international agreements. This is an area with a major and growing impact on the climate. Clarification of EU demands on industrialised countries and developing countries alike. Industrialised countries are to reduce their emissions by 25-40 per cent by 2020. The reductions of developing countries will be 15-30 per cent compared with a situation in which no measures had been taken. Apart from previously specified criteria determined by the Council in March, the target of a maximum two-degree rise in temperature is now being emphasised as the benchmark when other countries' emissions reductions are assessed. Clarification of EU views on how to combat deforestation and conduct sustainable forestry, and of the contributions of the agricultural and forestry sectors to achieve the climate goals. Clarification of EU views on surplus emission allowances, which can affect EU environmental ambitions. There was agreement that the Assigned Amount Unit cap (AAU - maximum carbon emissions allowed) will be further dealt with within the framework of the environment ministers' group, aiming at an agreement before Copenhagen.
"The EU now has a full mandate to play a proactive role in the negotiations. All the countries' ministers have contributed constructively to reach consensus," said Mr Carlgren.
Contact Lennart Bodén Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren
Press release 21 October 2009 Ministry of the Environment Environment ministers want to speed up transition to eco-efficient economy The EU environment ministers are in agreement about speeding up the transition to an eco-efficient economy for increased welfare and reduced environmental impact.
The aim is to reduce the use of energy and natural resources and its negative impact on health and environment. An eco-efficient economy is thus obviously linked to the climate issue and is one of the Swedish Presidency's environmental priorities.
"Meeting the climate challenge is not only necessary to secure our future, it is also an opportunity for new jobs and green enterprise. The environment ministers are now sending out a clear message that the transition to an eco-efficient economy will mean new opportunities for Europe," says Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren, on behalf of the Swedish Presidency.
The term "eco-efficient economy" means a sustainable, low-carbon and resource-efficient economy, based on sustainable production and more sustainable housing and transport systems.
At Wednesday's meeting in Luxembourg, the Council of Ministers agreed to emphasise that a shift to a more eco-efficient economy can be speeded up by a green tax shift from labour to natural resources and energy, and things that affect the environment in a negative way. The Member States are urged to undertake such a shift. The Council agrees that a more eco-efficient economy will be an important component of the Lisbon Strategy after 2010.
The Council also notes that certain Member States have achieved cost-efficient reductions of emissions that harm the climate by using carbon dioxide taxes and that other States are considering introducing such taxes, which will also help the transition to an eco-efficient economy.
The Council also states that the transition to an eco-efficient economy will provide new business opportunities, strengthen EU competitiveness and give scope for new jobs. The transition to an eco-efficient economy has been an issue raised at informal Council meetings of ministers responsible for environment, competiveness, finance and enterprise.
Contact Lennart Bodén Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren
Press release 20 October 2009 Ministry of the Environment Andreas Carlgren takes part in European Parliament climate debate Today 20 October, Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren will be taking part in the European Parliament Plenary Session to debate the issue of climate change in developing countries ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.
Time and place External links Time: Tuesday, 20 October, at 09.00 The press conference can be Place: European Parliament, Strasbourg followed live on the web site for the Swedish Presidency of At 11.30 a press conference will be held with Andreas Carlgren and Jo Leinen, Chair of the European the EU Parliament Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI). Speech by Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren to the European Parliament on 20 October 2009 Meeting of the European Contact Parliament Lennart Bodén Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren
Press release 02 October 2009 Prime Minister's Office Reinfeldt to receive Lula da Silva for EU-Brazil Summit On Tuesday 6 October, Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, together with the President of the Commission José Manuel Barroso, will host an EU summit with Brazil's President Lula da Silva. Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt and Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren will also participate in the meeting. After the EU summit, Fredrik Reinfeldt and Lula da Silva will also meet for bilateral talks.
The summit is expected to focus primarily on climate change and the global financial and economic crisis. The agenda will also cover regional and other international issues and challenges. This will be the third EU-Brazil Summit within the framework of the strategic partnership established at the first summit in Lisbon in July External links 2007. Brazil meets the EU at Stockholm Summit on the In the afternoon, Sweden and Brazil will meet for bilateral talks. The talks are expected to address current website for the Swedish issues of common interest and involve action on the environment and climate change. Other ministers will Presidency of the EU also be participating in these talks. EU-Brazil Summit on the website for the Swedish Presidency of the EU Accredition for media on the Programme points: website for the Swedish 09.00 Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt meets President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso. Presidency of the EU Photo opportunity. Location: Entrance to Rosenbad
09.30 Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt and President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso meet Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Photo opportunity. Location: Entrance to Rosenbad
10.00 Summit opens. Photo pool. Location: Rosenbad
13.00 Press conference with Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The press conference will be webcast on the Presidency website: www.se2009.eu. Location: Bella Venezia, Rosenbad
13.50 Group photo Location: Rosenbad (NB. outdoors, weather permitting).
14.05 Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva arrive at the Business Summit. The media are welcome to follow the entire Business Summit. Photo opportunity. Location: Grand Hotel, Spegelsalen. ca. 15.30 Talks between Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, other ministers and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. ca. 16.40 Signing of bilateral agreements. Location: Rosenbad
The full programme will be published shortly on the Presidency website.
Please note: Due to special security arrangements, we kindly request that you come in good time. Please use the Kopparporten entrance.
If you wish to cover the EU-Brazil Summit and the bilateral meeting between Sweden and Brazil, you will need to apply for media accreditation. This can be done via the Presidency website.
Welcome! Contact Roberta Alenius +46 8 405 10 00 Markus Nordström Press Assistant +46 8 405 10 00
Press release 30 September 2009 Ministry of the Environment Climate change: Bangkok meeting must make decisive progress towards ambitious global deal The Swedish Presidency of the EU and the European Commission today called on international negotiators to make decisive progress towards an ambitious global climate change agreement at two weeks of world climate talks in Bangkok starting on 28 September. The Bangkok meeting is the penultimate preparatory session before the Copenhagen U.N. climate conference in December at which the global deal is due to be concluded.
Time and place External links EU media briefings Countdown to Copenhagen Sweden, the Commission and Spain will give joint media briefings in Bangkok on Read more about the Bangkok - Monday 28 September at 12.00 local meeting at the website of - Friday 9 October at 14.00 local Swedish EU Presidency
Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said: "The European Union has set out a comprehensive agenda for the ambitious global agreement that is needed to prevent dangerous climate change. Now, after two years of discussions, it is time for all Parties to engage fully in preparing the ground for the decisions that must be taken in Copenhagen. Decisive progress is needed in Bangkok. The European Commission recently tabled proposals on finance which is a central issue in these negotiations. I am now looking to our partners in both the developed and the developing world to bring much greater urgency and ambition to the table." Swedish Environment Minister Andreas Carlgren said: "The EU welcomes progress, for example the new Japanese government's substantial increase in its emission reduction target. Recent encouraging public statements from the big emerging economies about limiting their emissions growth need to be turned into concrete actions and put on the negotiating table as well. The message from the UN and G20 summits must have an impact and be reflected in Bangkok. As political leaders we want to reach an agreement and negotiators need to focus on substance as well as essential elements."
Copenhagen process Negotiations to draw up a United Nations agreement on tackling climate change for the period after 2012, when key provisions of the Kyoto Protocol expire, are due to conclude at the Copenhagen conference on 7-18 December 2009. The final preparatory sessions will be held in Bangkok 28 September-9 October and in Barcelona 2-6 November.
EU position The EU is pressing for an ambitious and comprehensive deal that will prevent global warming from reaching the dangerous levels - more than 2°C above the pre-industrial temperature - projected by the scientific community. Scientific evidence shows that keeping within this ceiling will require industrialised countries to cut their greenhouse gas emissions to 25-40% below 1990 levels by 2020 and developing countries to limit their rapid emissions growth to around 15-30% below business as usual levels in 2020.
The EU has committed unconditionally to cut its emissions to at least 20% below 1990 levels by 2020 and is implementing this goal through the climate and energy package (IP/09/628). It has also committed to scale up its emission cut to 30% provided other industrialised countries agree to make comparable reductions and economically more advanced developing countries contribute adequately to a global deal. On 10 September the Commission proposed a global blueprint for increasing international finance to help developing countries mitigate their emissions and adapt to climate change (IP/09/1297). This gives a basis for the European Council to take an EU position on financing at the end of October.
Bangkok meeting Progress at the three official negotiating sessions held so far this year has been slow. The informal session in Bonn, Germany last month finished with a negotiating text on the table of more than 250 pages, poorly structured and full of brackets. In Bangkok this draft will need to be drastically streamlined and the pace of progress considerably accelerated if a global agreement is to be concluded in Copenhagen. The negotiating process also needs to be made more efficient, for instance by negotiating in small parallel groups instead of large plenary sessions. The priority should be to agree on the essential elements for a Copenhagen deal and to advance on these. For the EU the essential elements are: Binding emission reductions by all industrialised countries based on comparable efforts; Appropriate action by developing countries to limit emissions; A framework for action on adaptation to climate change; Action to reduce deforestation and forest degradation and promote sustainable forest management in tropical regions; Updated accounting rules for changes in emissions due to land-use, land-use change and forestry; - An expanded international carbon market to generate financial support for developing countries and promote cost-effective emission cuts; Provision of international public finance to developing countries to supplement financial flows from the carbon market and domestic investment; A comprehensive package on technology cooperation and funding to accelerate development of a low- carbon global economy.
Contact Lennart Bodén Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren
Press release 30 September 2009 Ministry of the Environment Presidency stresses the importance and value of biological diversity Today, a letter will be sent to the EU environment ministers presenting the Swedish Presidency's communication initiative for biological diversity - www.se2009.eu/biodviersity.
"Preserving the biodiversity of nature is crucial for humanity and one of the most challenging tasks we face. As politicians who are committed to the environmental cause, we have a particular responsibility to communicate the value and importance of biodiversity, not only within our governments, parties and political External links systems, but also to the business sector, local actors and the general public," says Andreas Carlgren, Swedish Minister for the Environment. Read more about biodiversity
Therefore, the Swedish Presidency of the EU has created a web platform, se2009.eu/biodiversity. The aim is to help to move biodiversity and ecosystem services further up the political agenda. The initiative can be seen as a prelude to next year, which is the International Year of Biodiversity, and CBD COP 10.
On 7-9 September, the Swedish Presidency held the EU high-level meeting "Visions for Biodiversity Beyond 2010 - People, Ecosystem Services and the Climate Crisis" in Strömstad, Sweden. The meeting represented an important step for the EU in showing leadership on the path towards a new UN agreement on biodiversity, which we hope to reach during the autumn of 2010.
The se2009.eu/biodiversity website contains reports from the meeting in Strömstad and background information, new presentation material, an inspiring and thought-provoking slide show and an exhibition, created especially for the meeting in Strömstad. Another aim is to create a bank of best practice examples from EU Member States. Europe's most recent national park, Kosterhavet Marine National Park, which opened on 9 September, is in itself an example of how local actors, including residents and fishermen, have become involved in the preservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
"There are many good examples around Europe of how biodiversity and local development can go hand in hand. Good examples are convincing and they convey the message themselves," says Mr Carlgren.
Contact Lennart Bodén Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren Sara Modin Information Officer +46 8 405 30 40
Press release 16 September 2009 Ministry of the Environment Andreas Carlgren in climate meetings in Washington D.C. and New York From 16 to 23 September, Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren is visiting Washington D.C. and New York for a number of meetings on the climate. Alongside these meetings he will also participate in several bilateral troika meetings together with the EU Commission and the incoming Spanish Presidency, as well as one-on-one bilateral meetings, mainly with developing countries.
The Major Economies Forum (MEF) reached agreement at its meeting in Italy at the beginning of July that global temperatures must rise by no more than 2 degrees over pre-industrial levels. Discussions are now moving forward based on this position.
The MEF is a US-initiated process involving Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the EU, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, the UK and the USA. These countries account for some 80 per cent of global emissions. The MEF process is intended to contribute to the negotiations that take place under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Programme in Washington D.C.
Wednesday 16 September Bilateral meetings Pre-meeting ahead of the Major Economies Forum
Thursday 17 September Breakfast meeting with John Kerry Bilateral meetings Major Economies Forum
Friday 18 September Major Economies Forum
Programme in New York
Saturday 19 - Sunday 20 September Greenland Dialogue
Monday 21 September Bilateral meetings OECD Round Table on Sustainable Development Summit Meeting of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)
Tuesday 22 September Climate Summit in connection with the opening of the General Assembly of the United Nations Bilateral meetings
Wednesday 23 September Bilateral meetings Lunch with African countries (together with Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson) Return to Sweden Contact Political Adviser Karin Rappsjö-Emanuelli 16-20 September +46 70 839 02 06 Press Secretary Lennart Bodén 20-23 September +46 70 950 22 45
Press release 16 September 2009 Ministry of the Environment European Union hails universal ratification of the Montreal Protocol on protecting the ozone layer The Swedish Presidency of the European Union and the European Commission welcome the universal ratification of the Montreal Protocol announced today, following ratification by Timor-Leste. This announcement coincides with International Day for the preservation of the ozone layer. The Montreal Protocol, which bans the production of ozone-depleting substances, is widely recognised as a success story which has put the ozone layer on the road to recovery. The Protocol has also helped significantly to protect the global climate since ozone- depleting substances are also potent greenhouse gases. The EU is keen to ensure the Montreal Protocol plays a continued role in combating climate change in co-operation with the UN climate convention, particularly regarding possible action on HFC industrial gases. HFCs are increasingly being used to replace ozone-depleting substances but are themselves powerful greenhouse gases.
EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said: "I very much welcome the news that the Montreal Protocol has finally achieved the universal recognition it deserves. The progress the Protocol has achieved in protecting both the ozone layer and the global climate shows that worldwide consensus on exceptionally External links important environmental issues is achievable. This is a very important and encouraging message that we have to keep in mind as the world prepares to conclude what must be an ambitious global agreement on climate Protection of the ozone layer change at the Copenhagen conference in December." on the web site EUROPE Fluorinated Green house Gases on the web site Swedish Environment Minister Andreas Carlgren said: "The European Union is happy to welcome Timor- EUROPA Leste to the global community working for the protection of the ozone layer. The Montreal Protocol's achievements in protecting the ozone layer and combating climate change have been remarkable, but there is a growing global consensus that the projected increase of HFCs is not compatible with our goal of building a low-carbon economy. The next Montreal Protocol conference in November and the Copenhagen climate conference in December are important opportunities to continue work on this issue."
Montreal Protocol achievements Following ratification by the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, announced today by the UN Ozone Secretariat, all 196 members of the United Nations have now ratified the Montreal Protocol.
Agreed in 1987 following the discovery of the "ozone hole", the Protocol protects the ozone layer from damage caused by certain industrial chemicals known as ozone-depleting substances (ODS). The Protocol will, by the end of this year, have banned production of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants and solvents and halon fire extinguishants. It has set a clear timetable for phasing out other harmful substances such as hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and methyl bromide. As a result of these actions the ozone layer is expected to return to normal levels from 2050 onwards.
Climate change challenges Because ODS are also potent greenhouse gases, the Protocol has helped significantly to protect the climate. Some important challenges remain, however, as ODS are being increasingly replaced by hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) which have global warming potentials up to 14,800 times higher than carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas.
The success of the Montreal Protocol is now serving as an inspiration for possible sector-specific actions on HFCs during the climate change negotiations. As HFCs are controlled by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol, the EU has been promoting synergies between the climate framework and the Montreal Protocol. In July this year Parties to the Montreal Protocol started discussing a proposal to cap and reduce the global consumption of HFCs. The Copenhagen conference in December is a further opportunity to ensure that the international climate and ozone layer regimes co-operate in a cost- effective and environmentally sound way.
Background The stratospheric ozone layer protects life on earth from harmful UV-B radiation. In the early 1980s the ozone layer was found to be significantly depleted over the Antarctic due to emissions of ODS. The 1987 Montreal Protocol, one of the first and most successful Multilateral Environmental Agreements, commits Parties, including the European Community, to ending the production and consumption of ODS. The EU has phased out more than 99% of its ODS production, thanks to proactive industry participation and strict enforcement of the EU's legislation on ODS by the Commission and Member States. From 2010 further EU restrictions on ODS will come into force.
In 2006 the EU introduced legislation to regulate fluorinated industrial gases, including HFCs. This prohibits certain uses but mainly focuses on measures to minimise emissions. The European Union does not yet control production of HFCs but has been active this year in discussions both under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Montreal Protocol on additional measures that could be taken to reduce emissions. Discussions are ongoing on how the ozone and climate regime could co-operate in a cost-effective and environmentally sound way.
Contact Barbara Helfferich +32 2 298 20 10 +32 496 58 38 29 [email protected] Lena De Visscher +32 2 296 36 94 +32 498 96 36 94 [email protected]
Press release 21 August 2009 Ministry of the Environment Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren to USA for climate talks Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren will lead the EU delegation to Washington DC, USA, on 23-26 August for climate negotiations. The US is a key country in the climate negotiations and will be hosting several of the meetings that will be held ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December.
The first environmental troika visit under the Swedish Presidency was to China. Now it is the turn of the US. The troika consists of the Presidency, the European Commission and the next Presidency country, Spain. During its visit to Washington, the delegation will meet Michael Froman, Deputy National Security Adviser for International Economic Affairs, and Todd Stern, Special Envoy for Climate Change.
"It is vital that the US is involved in the next climate agreement if we are to manage climate issues. Several important first steps have been taken under the Obama administration, but the world needs, and the EU expects, more from the US", says Mr Carlgren.
"The EU and the US have a common interest and task in helping to fund adaptation measures and technology transfer to developing countries. This is crucial in order to enable the countries of the world to conclude an agreement in Copenhagen in December", says Mr Carlgren.
A number of high-level meetings will take place in September that are expected to have a major impact on the outcome in Copenhagen. The US is hosting the Major Economies Forum in September, a climate summit is to be held in conjunction with the opening of the UN General Assembly, and the G20 meeting will also look at climate issues.
"The pace of the negotiations is slow, and they need a kick-start at political level if they are to be concluded in Copenhagen", says Mr Carlgren.
The countries in the Major Economies Forum agreed earlier this summer to limit the average global temperature rise over pre-industrial levels to two degrees.
"The right conclusions must now be drawn for how the temperature rise is to be kept below two degrees. This is the obvious next step when the MEF countries meet during the autumn" says Mr Carlgren.
Contact Karin Rappsjö Emanuelli Chief of Staff +46 8 405 10 00 email to Karin Rappsjö Emanuelli, via the senior registry clerk
Press release 21 July 2009 Ministry of the Environment Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications Informal ministerial meetings in Åre highlight Europe's potential for an eco- efficient economy As EU energy and environment ministers gather for a joint informal meeting in Åre on 23-25 July, the Swedish Presidency is highlighting the potential of an eco-effective economy. Among those specially invited to speak on European opportunities in the transition to an eco-efficient economy is the British economist Lord Nicholas Stern.
The eco-efficiency theme recurs at several ministerial councils during the Swedish EU Presidency. The first time will be at this informal meeting of energy and environment ministers, then later in the autumn at the meeting of competitiveness ministers. Download Programme: Informal Meeting "We want to create a common understanding of Europe's potential to overcome the economic crisis through a of the Energy and green wave moving towards stronger competitiveness, prosperity and new jobs. An eco-efficient economy can Environment Ministers (pdf pave the way for new jobs, where small- and medium-sized enterprises play a central role in new innovative 162 kB) solutions, growth and jobs," says Minister for Enterprise and Energy Maud Olofsson. Presentation from the press conference (ppt 750 kB) "If we are to manage climate change with growing economies we must adapt the way we build, live and move around. Global demand for environmental solutions that contribute to that transformation will be great. By adapting early, the EU can gain a competitive edge while doing our bit for the climate," says Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren. External links Read the report A European By highlighting examples, the Presidency wants to show how committed and proactive environmental work Eco-Efficient Economy - can result in international competitive advantages. At the same time, the Swedish Presidency wants to Governing climate, energy and contribute to the discussion on how a new Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs will result in a greener Europe. competitiveness. The ministerial discussions on an eco-efficient economy also provide an opportunity to strengthen the EU position ahead of the climate negotiations in Copenhagen.
The energy ministers will start their meeting on Thursday with a discussion on an action plan for energy efficiency. The ministers will also review proposed legislation for energy efficient buildings and labelling of energy efficient products and tyres.
The joint session of environment and energy ministers on Friday will discuss European potential on the basis of the background report for the meeting by the Stockholm Environment Institute: A European Eco-Efficient Economy - Governing climate, energy and competitiveness. In connection with the working session, Lord Nicholas Stern and South African Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs Buyelwa Patience Sonjica will deliver addresses. The Executive Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAE) Nobuo Tanaka will participate in the panel debate that follows.
The environment ministers will continue to discuss an eco-efficient economy and contribution to the Lisbon Strategy together with John Hontelez from the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) and Jacqueline McGlade from the European Environment Agency (EEA).
The environment ministers will then focus on the climate change issue. The Presidency is now gathering the ministers ahead of the final autumn spurt in the negotiations up to the UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen. The invited guests include Michael Zammit Cutajar and John Ashe, who will chair the working groups in the UN climate negotiations.
Contact Johanna Martin Press Secretary to Maud Olofsson +46 8 405 24 33 +46 70 206 75 62 email to Johanna Martin Anna Bäckman +46 8 405 10 00 Frank Nilsson Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren 070-690 24 33
Press release 10 July 2009 Ministry of the Environment Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren to China for climate negotiations Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren is to visit Beijing, China, on 11-14 July 2009. The visit is being made in his capacity as Chair of the EU Environment Council and together with the European Commission and the forthcoming Presidency, Spain. This is the first visit made by the EU Troika for bilateral climate negotiations during the Swedish Presidency.
The delegation will hold bilateral talks both with the Head of China's Climate Change and Coordinating Committee, Xie Zhenhua, and Minister of Environmental Protection Zhou Shengxian.
These talks will take place a few days after China, together with other major economies at the Major Economies Forum, agreed that global temperatures would be allowed to rise a maximum of 2º C compared with pre-industrial levels.
"The agreement is a first, necessary - although not sufficient - step towards the major UN climate conference in Copenhagen. The industrialised countries have a particular responsibility to lead the way and make large emissions reductions, but rapidly growing economies must also contribute significantly to emissions reductions for us to be able to achieve the two-degree target. China is a key country for a global climate agreement," says Mr Carlgren ahead of his trip.
The EU and China will also discuss technology transfer. The world's countries have a joint responsibility to sever the link between development and emissions. The EU has proposed that Low Carbon Development Strategies should be produced by all developing countries and serve as the basis of these countries' future efforts.
"The EU urges China to take responsibility for emission reduction measures that will be included in a future agreement, but we will also draw attention to the potential of cooperation, with technology transfer and development as a main issue in climate efforts."
Contact Lennart Bodén Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren Patrik Brodd Desk Officer +46 76 78 77 551
Press release 10 July 2009 Ministry of the Environment Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren comments on the agreement at the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate in L'Aquila in Italy "The EU welcomes the news that the countries accounting for around 80 per cent of the world's emissions are now in agreement that global temperatures should be allowed to increase by a maximum of 2ºC compared with pre-industrial levels. This is important for the coming negotiations on setting goals for emissions reductions in the near term.
"The agreement is a first, necessary - although not sufficient - step towards the major UN climate conference in Copenhagen. The world as a whole must draw sufficiently clear conclusions from the goal of limiting the global average rise in temperature to 2ºC. Global emissions must decline by 50 per cent below the 1990 level by 2050, and during the same period the industrialised countries must reduce their emissions by at least 80 per cent below the 1990 level. These will be obvious next steps to introduce in the global negotiations.
"The countries are agreed that the world must reduce emissions in absolute terms, first in industrialised countries, but also in rapidly growing economies. The EU will continue to work to bring about concrete technological cooperation, such as the establishment of a global partnership.
"We need to inject political energy into the negotiations. It is therefore positive that the members of the Major Economies Forum have agreed to continue to meet to identify targets and constructively contribute to Copenhagen," says Mr Carlgren.
The Major Economies Forum (MEF) gathers together both industrialised countries and rapidly growing economies such as China and Brazil. In his capacity as future Chair of the EU Environment Council, Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren has been working during the spring with the process that led up to today's declaration, with meetings in Paris, Washington and Mexico. He also took part in the preparatory meeting held in Rome in the days before the MEF meeting in L'Aquila. In addition, he has been engaged in intensive bilateral contacts with the USA and his European ministerial colleagues during this period.
The Major Economies Forum is a US-initiated process, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the EU, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, the UK and the USA. These countries account for some 80 per cent of global emissions. The MEF process is intended to contribute to the negotiations that take place in the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Contact Lennart Bodén Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren Fredrik Hannerz Desk Officer +46 8 405 80 25
Press release 29 June 2009 Ministry of the Environment Andreas Carlgren to Greenland on 30 June-3 July Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren will be visiting Greenland to take part in the fifth of a series of meetings under the framework of the Greenland Dialogue. Environment ministers from 30 countries will gather for informal discussions on key issues in the international negotiations on climate change.
The meeting, to be held in Ilulissat, is the fifth in a series of informal climate meetings initiated in 2005 by the Danish Government. Sweden organised the 2007 meeting held in Riksgränsen in June. External links The Greenland Dialogue is particularly important this year in view of the UN Conference on Climate Change in Greenland Dialogue Copenhagen in December.
"I am hoping for a good discussion with representatives from both industrial and developing countries on the shape of the agreement in Copenhagen. As regards the current climate talks, the only clear bid has been presented by the EU. There is no Plan B. The parties have between now and December to come up with ways to move forward," says Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren.
While in Ilulissat, the ministers will also take part in several excursions in the region to witness the consequences of climate change at first hand.
Sweden's chief negotiator on climate issues, Anders Turesson, will also be attending.
Contact Karin Rappsjö-Emanuelli Political Adviser +46 8 405 24 14 +46 70 839 02 06
Press release 26 June 2009 Ministry of the Environment Sweden's environment agenda for the Presidency presented to EU environment ministers Sweden is ready to lead the work of the EU towards a new climate agreement in Copenhagen in December. This was the message from Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren on Thursday when he presented the Swedish Presidency priorities in the environment area at the EU environment ministers meeting in Luxembourg.
In his presentation to the EU environment ministers, Mr Carlgren emphasised the importance of the EU standing fast in its ambitions to reduce climate emissions by 30 per cent by 2020. "The EU's 30 per cent bid is our most important lever for getting other countries to undertake comparable Related emission reductions. As the country holding the Presidency, Sweden will press for other industrial countries and fast-growing economies to do their part. Unless they also make an effort we will not get a strong enough Speech by the Minister for the agreement on the climate in Copenhagen," says Mr Carlgren. Environment Andreas Carlgren: Road to Copenhagen Mr Carlgren highlighted the hard work of the previous Presidencies to lay the foundation for the pole position of the EU in the negotiations.
The Council meeting also reached agreement on a new integrated pollution prevention and control directive on industrial emissions from large plants. "It is very gratifying that the Council succeeded in agreeing on a compromise that everyone supported. The directive will strengthen the competitiveness of Swedish basic industry, while drastically reducing deposition of acidifying substances in Sweden from the rest of Europe," says Mr Carlgren.
As incoming Council Chair, Mr Carlgren thanked the Czech Presidency, which was hosting its last meeting of environment ministers. "The Czech Republic has had ambitious priorities in the area of the environment and applied them well. The comprehensive conclusions negotiated by the Czech Republic on the climate give Sweden an invaluable starting point for the autumn's work. We have collaborated well at all levels during the past six months," says Mr Carlgren.
Contact Mattias Johansson Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren Karin Rappsjö-Emanuelli Political Adviser +46 70 839 02 06 For questions concerning IPPC Directive Malin Wik Legal Adviser +46 8 405 24 17
Press release 24 June 2009 Ministry of the Environment Andreas Carlgren: The path to a new climate agreement On Friday 26 June, Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren will take part in the closing panel discussion of Green Week 2009 on the path to a new climate agreement in Copenhagen.
Mr Carlgren will hold a press conference in connection with the panel discussion.
Time and place Time: 09.00-9.30 Place: Sweden's Permanent Representation, Square de Meeûs 30, Brussels
Please bring your press credentials.
Contact Mattias Johansson Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren Karin Rappsjö-Emanuelli Political Adviser +46 708 39 02 06 Anna Bäckman Press contact: +46 8 405 40 61 076-791 31 89
Press release 21 June 2009 Ministry of the Environment Andreas Carlgren to attend Major Economies Forum in Mexico on 22-23 June Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren will visit Mexico on 22-23 June to attend the third climate and energy meeting within the framework of the Major Economies Forum (MEF).
The meeting has been convened by US President Barack Obama and his climate and energy adviser Carol Browner, and will be hosted by Mexico's Secretary of Foreign Affairs Patricia Espinosa and Minister of the Environment Juan Rafael Elvira Quesada. The aim is to discuss the levels of ambition and content of a coming External links international climate agreement ahead of the meeting of the MEF countries' leaders in L'Aquila, Italy in July. Major Economies Forum Mr Carlgren has been invited since Sweden will take over the Presidency of the EU on 1 July and he will lead the EU environment ministers at the UN climate change conference in Copenhagen in December. Apart from the USA and Sweden, participants at the meeting will include environment or climate ministers from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, South Korea and the UK.
The Major Economies Forum (MEF) is a process initiated by the USA to facilitate the work being carried out within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Contact Mattias Johansson Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren Fredrik Hannerz Desk Officer +46 8-405 80 25
Press release 29 May 2009 Ministry of the Environment Climate and the Baltic Sea in focus for work on the environment during the Swedish Presidency "The climate, the Baltic Sea, biological diversity and an eco-efficient economy will be the central environmental issues during the Swedish Presidency." This statement was made by Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren in Stockholm today when he presented the agenda for work in the coming six months.
"Sweden is well-equipped to move the EU environmental agenda forward during our Presidency. We have a highly intensive and exciting six months ahead of us," says Mr Carlgren. Related Mr Carlgren will make a number of trips within and outside Europe, and by the start of the Presidency on 1 Priorities and meetings for the July will have visited colleagues in all 27 EU Member States. Ministry of the Environment during Sweden's EU "We are aiming to achieve results in several areas, where climate negotiations and the Baltic Sea environment presidency will be particularly time-consuming. So it is important for me as Council Chair to establish and develop contacts with EU governments," says Mr Carlgren.
Sweden's most important environmental areas during the Presidency are:
The climate "The work in the final stages of negotiations this autumn will be absolutely crucial to whether we will achieve an ambitious global agreement at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December. The EU must stand fast by its ambitious goals and push for a global agreement, but we must also get other industrial countries to join us in making comparable efforts to reduce emissions," says Mr Carlgren.
Baltic Sea "We want to see the Baltic Sea designated as a pilot project area in the EU and for this to be a mainstay of the Baltic Sea strategy to be presented by the European Commission in June. The Baltic Sea is to be an example for the entire European Union of how development can be turned around in a poisoned sea, and of how funding, agricultural efforts and fisheries policy can be coordinated to create a better environment. I have received broad support for this work among my environment minister colleagues in the EU," says Mr Carlgren.
Biological diversity "We will emphasise the central role of the ecosystems in future social development and prepare the EU for the adoption of a new long-term goal for biological diversity at global level in 2010. An international platform is also needed for research on biological diversity and ecosystem services. I also want to see greater breadth in EU work as regards the impact of climate change on biological diversity. A key opportunity to discuss this will be a high-level meeting on nature conservation in Strömstad on 7-9 September, when we will also open Sweden's first marine national park in Kosterhavet," says Mr Carlgren.
Eco-efficient economy "The climate challenge can be combined with efforts to strengthen the economy and competitiveness. We want to improve EU job and growth opportunities by investing in energy efficiency, renewable resources and recycling. This will be the main theme of the informal meeting of energy and environment ministers in Åre in July, and it will also set its stamp on the agenda of the informal Council meeting on competition issues in Umeå in October," concludes Mr Carlgren.
Contact Mattias Johansson Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren Karin Rappsjö-Emanuelli Political Adviser Tel: +46 8 405 24 14 Mobile: +46 708 39 02 06
Press release 19 May 2009 Ministry of the Environment New international fund for Baltic Sea environment Sweden and Finland are the first two countries to set up a new fund for improvement of the environment in the Baltic Sea. This decision was announced today by Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren, who was taking part in the joint Swedish and Finnish governmental meeting in Tavastehus.
The Swedish and Finnish Governments have agreed that both countries will contribute to a new fund for projects that will enable environmental improvements to be carried out in the Baltic Sea. External links "The fund should be able to help prepare projects such as wastewater phosphorus removal and reducing Helsinki Commission's website emissions from agriculture. Finland's Minister of the Environment, Paula Lehtomäki, and I have agreed that work on the fund will start as soon as possible. It will be open to all countries around the Baltic Sea and we will take active steps to get more countries to join," says Mr Carlgren.
The Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) and the Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (NEFCO) have previously proposed a special environment fund for the Baltic Sea. Both Sweden and Finland have now allocated financial support, which means that the fund can begin its activities. SEK 50 million has been allocated for the first year but more is expected in the coming years.
The fund is part of efforts by Sweden and Finland to implement their commitments under the Baltic Sea Action Plan, which were established within the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM) cooperative body . The fund will be able to support the launch of local and regional projects that aim to improve the marine environment.
Contact Mattias Johansson Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren Jon Kahn Director +46 8 405 21 28 +46 70 323 05 63
Press release 14 May 2009 Prime Minister's Office Ministers' engagements weeks 21-22 2009
Subject to change.
For further information contact the Minister's press secretary. Related Press contacts Calendar for Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt Prime Minister's Office Calendar for Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt Calendar for Minister for Trade Ewa Björling Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt 18 May Travel in Sweden
20 May Party leader debate ahead of European Parliament election, Riksdag
25 May Travel in Sweden
Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt 18 May Participation in GAERC, Brussels Visit to Göteborg, Sweden
21 May Visit to Warsaw Visegrad Meeting
24-26 May ASEM, Hanoi
27-28 May Visit to Phnom Penh
Minister for Trade Ewa Björling 18 May Visit to Göteborg, Sweden
19 May Visit to Almi Företagspartner (Almi Business Partner)
19 May Dialogue meeting on the export ban on Swedish snuff in the EU internal market
20 May Advisory Committee on EU Affairs, Riksdag Meeting with World Bank President Robert B. Zoellick at World Bank meeting, Helsinki
25 May Speech at Africa Day Seminar on Strategic Partnerships for African Development, Stockholm 27 May Main speaker and award presenter at SwedenBIO's Annual General Meeting
27 May Informal meeting with African ambassadors based in Stockholm on EPA negotiations
28 May Competitiveness Council, Brussels
29 May Visit to Tranås, Sweden
Press release 02 April 2009 Ministry of the Environment The climate and the Baltic Sea in focus when Andreas Carlgren visited Paris and The Hague The Governments of France and the Netherlands are backing Sweden's priorities in the environmental area during the upcoming Presidency of the EU. This is what Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren was told when he visited Paris and The Hague on 30-31 March.
In Paris on Monday Mr Carlgen had talks with Mr Jean-Louis Borloo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Ecology, Energy, Sustainable Development and Town and Country Planning. They discussed work during the Swedish Presidency and the state of the international climate negotiations. Mr Borloo expressed French support for Sweden during its Presidency and for Swedish leadership of the EU in the run up to and during the climate meeting in Copenhagen.
- I welcome Mr Borloo's statement. We share the view that the step taken by the EU in setting high ambitions in its climate and energy package makes demands on the US and other industrialised countries to formulate comparable targets for their own emissions reductions ahead of the final phase of the negotiations, said Mr Carlgren.
Mr Borloo also confirmed that France is backing Sweden's desire to make the Baltic Sea a pilot area for the implementation of the EU Marine Strategy.
- It is very valuable to have support from one of the core EU countries in bringing the muscle of the EU to bear on improving the Baltic Sea environment. Mr Borloo was clear about identifying the state of the Baltic Sea as a matter for the whole of the EU and in saying that what is being done there today can provide a model for future action in other regions. As I have previously received the same signals from the Governments of Germany, Spain and Poland, I see good prospects of achieving results for the Baltic Sea during our Presidency, said Mr Carlgren.
During his day in Paris Mr Carlgren also met the French Agriculture Minister Michel Barnier and the Head of the OECD Climate Change, Natural Resources and Environmental Outlooks Division Helen Mountford.
Mr Carlgren then went on to The Hague on Tuesday to meet the Dutch Minister of the Environment and Spatial Planning Jacqueline Cramer. The Swedish Presidency and the climate talks were also on the agenda there.
- Our talks included negotiating issues concerning funding. There we agree that a global carbon dioxide market has to be the main instrument for reducing emissions. This can generate the flows of private investments that will account for the bulk of the funding needed for climate adaptation and technology transfer. Over and above this, new and increased public support is required, especially for the very poorest countries, said Mr Carlgren.
Contact Mattias Johansson Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren Hans Höglund Desk Officer +46 8 405 35 42 +46 703 69 35 42
Press release 12 March 2009 Ministry of the Environment Andreas Carlgren comments on Sweden's higher climate policy ambition Yesterday the Government presented the bill, An integrated Climate and Energy Policy ("En sammanhållen klimat- och energipolitik, prop.2008/09:162). The Government Bills propose a 40 per cent target for Sweden's reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases and an integrated action programme to achieve the target. Three action plans - for a fossil-fuel independent transport sector, the promotion of renewable energy and increased energy efficiency - are being presented.
- We are the first industrial country to present a very clear route to make ourselves independent of fossil energy and reduce emissions to the levels climate measures require. With climate targets in the absolute forefront and a clear path towards fossil-fuel independence, as the EU Presidency country we can continue to Related take the lead for a climate agreement in Copenhagen, says Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren. PM: Climate and energy policy for a sustainable future - We are raising our ambitions and speeding up the pace of climate policy. In half the time we will make three times as many cuts as before. The challenge will be used as an economic lever. The Swedish business sector can be a world leader in the conversion of transport and housing that will take place all over the world, says Mr Carlgren.
- In a long-term perspective and with clear rules we will inform both the business sector and private individuals that it is cheaper to do what is right, and more expensive to do things that destroy the climate. Putting a price on emissions will stimulate efficient energy use and phase out outdated technology.
- Sweden is making a strong contribution to the global answer to the climate challenge. Increased green investment in developing countries is key to achieving a global climate agreement in Copenhagen in December, says Mr Carlgren.
Contact Mattias Johansson Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren Leif Holmberg Political Adviser 08-405 23 88 070-585 23 88
Press release 10 March 2009 Ministry of Finance Ministry of the Environment Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications New green cars to be exempted from vehicle tax Green cars will be exempted from vehicle tax for five years, while vehicle tax will be raised by SEK 5 per gram of carbon dioxide a car emits. The vehicle tax on heavy goods vehicles and large buses will be lowered and the energy tax on diesel raised by SEK 0.40 per litre by 2013. These are some of the proposed economic policy instruments that the Government will present in its energy and climate bill.
The Government is working for Sweden to have an energy supply that is sustainable and makes efficient use of resources, and to have zero net emissions of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere by 2050. Long-term predictability and regard for the difficult economic situation have been guiding concerns in the Government's climate bill, which will shortly be laid before the Riksdag.
- The climate challenges can serve as an economic lever and provide opportunities for new jobs and increased exports. This is the time for us to invest in sustainable energy and smart technical solutions that make it possible to meet increased demand from a position of strength when the economy picks up, says Minister for Enterprise and Energy Maud Olofsson.
- Those who pollute must pay for their impact on the environment. The policy instruments must be economically efficient, technology-neutral and preferably internationally coordinated, avoiding too many rules for special cases. By putting a clear price tag on climate-affecting emissions, we make it clear that emissions have a cost that must be paid, says Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren.
- We're making the economic policy instruments in the energy and climate area tougher because this is the most effective way of achieving emission targets. However, the pace and timing of the tougher approach must reflect the sharp economic downturn. The changes must be implemented carefully and gradually so that households and companies have time to adapt. Attention must be given to the operating environment for jobs and enterprises, says Minister for Finance Anders Borg.
In previous budgets the Government has made extensive tax changes aimed at reducing emissions. When the Government soon presents its energy and climate bill, changes in various taxes and support will be presented aimed at reducing emissions of greenhouse gases by a further 2 million tonnes by 2020, in addition to the large reductions that current policy instruments are estimated to achieve. The approach should be that future tax increases for companies and households in the energy and environmental areas should be offset by corresponding tax relief. To stimulate and accelerate a transition to a more environment-friendly car fleet, the climate bill proposes that new green cars be exempted from vehicle tax for the first five years. The current green car premium will thus be replaced by long-term tax exemption. The amendment should enter into force on 1 January 2010, but be effective retroactively so as to apply to cars taken into service from 1 July 2009 onwards. The present definition of a green car will apply and passenger cars running on petrol and diesel that emit less than 120 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre in mixed driving will also be exempted from vehicle tax. One difference compared with the present green car premium is that the tax exemption will apply not only to cars bought by private people but also to company cars and other cars bought by businesses. Taxation of emissions by increasing the relative weight of carbon dioxide in vehicle tax. The carbon dioxide component of vehicle tax will be raised from SEK 15 to SEK 20, which means that from 2011 onwards the tax will be raised by SEK 5 for each gram of carbon dioxide a car emits. New light goods vehicles, light buses and camper vans will be brought into the carbon dioxide-based vehicle tax system. The fuel factor will be lowered for diesel cars and the environmental factor will be replaced by a fixed monetary amount. In total, this will mean a reduction in the vehicle tax on diesel cars. The energy tax on diesel will be raised in two stages by a total of SEK 0.40 per litre. A first increase of SEK 0.20 should be made on 1 January 2011 and a second increase of SEK 0.20 on 1 January 2013. To compensate heavy traffic for increased tax costs resulting from increases in diesel tax, the vehicle tax on heavy goods vehicles and large buses should also be reduced. The tax on incineration of household waste should be eliminated from 1 September 2010. This tax was introduced on 1 July 2006 but has turned out to have an insignificant effect on behaviour and has only led to unnecessary transportation of household waste. The change will be financed by raising the general carbon dioxide tax by SEK 0.01 per kg of carbon dioxide. A two-stage phase-out of the present reduction in carbon dioxide tax for energy intensive companies (the '0.8 per cent rule') is proposed. In addition, the Government wants more far-reaching coordination of economic policy instruments aimed at plants covered by the EU emission allowance trading system. The reduction in carbon dioxide tax for heating in agriculture, forestry and aquaculture and in industries not covered by the EU emission allowance trading system will be curtailed. The tax level will be raised from 21 per cent to 30 per cent in 2011 and to 60 per cent in 2015. In addition, a decrease is proposed in the level of carbon dioxide tax refunds granted for diesel used in agricultural and forestry machinery. Over and above the annual adjustment in line with the consumer price index, the level of carbon dioxide tax should in future be adapted to the extent and at the rate that, together with other changes in economic policy instruments, deliver a total reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of an additional 2 million tonnes by 2020.
Contact Markus Sjöqvist Press Secretary to Anders Borg +46 8 405 10 00 Mattias Johansson Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren Lisa Wärn Pressekreterare hos Maud Olofsson
Press release 03 March 2009 Ministry of the Environment Phosphates in dishwasher detergents banned from 1 July 2011 In its upcoming maritime policy bill, the Government intends to introduce a ban on phosphates in dishwasher detergents for private use. The aim is that the use of phosphates in detergents and cleaning agents should be reduced and eventually replaced altogether with more environmentally-friendly alternatives.
The Government wants to introduce a ban on phosphates in dishwasher detergents for private use from 1 July 2011. The ban, which is part of the maritime policy bill that the Government will soon present to the Riksdag, means that it will not be permitted to manufacture or market dishwasher detergents with a phosphorus content of more than 0.5 per cent by weight. A ban on phosphates in dishwasher detergents will mean a further reduction in phosphorus emissions of 20 tonnes per year.
- This is a very cost-effective measure to reduce Sweden's phosphorus emissions in aquatic environments. The reduced phosphate emissions in Sweden from detergents and cleaning agents will have a positive effect on the eutrophication situation, primarily in the Baltic Sea. It will also help us achieve the environmental quality objective Zero eutrophication, says Minister of the Environment Andreas Carlgren.
The Government has introduced a ban from 1 September 2008 on retail sales of laundry detergents containing phosphates. This measure means that phosphorus emissions in aquatic environments are estimated to drop by 30 tonnes per year.
The Government's decision is part of the commitment made by Sweden and the other Baltic countries in the Baltic Sea Action Plan. These countries are to replace phosphates in laundry detergents and look into the possibility of replacing phosphates in dishwasher detergents.
- We will be proactive in an effective phase-out of phosphates in detergents and cleaning agents among the Baltic countries. We also intend to act within the EU to ensure that all EU Member States and Russia introduce restrictions on the phosphate content of detergents and cleaning agents. This is a demand that we know has been made by many environmental organisations, not least in Sweden, and to tackle eutrophication in the Baltic Sea all of the Baltic countries must take the same steps that we are taking in Sweden, says Mr Carlgren.
Background Current phosphorus emissions from detergents and cleaning agents come from private waste water systems that lack treatment capacity for phosphorus. Phosphorus emissions from sources such as detergents and cleaning agents contribute to eutrophication in lakes and seas. Larger Swedish waste water treatment plants remove at least 95 per cent of phosphorus. However, there are a number of smaller treatment plants that do not achieve this level of phosphorus removal, and over 700 000 properties are not connected to municipal sewage systems. Around 800 lakes in Sweden with water run-off are eutrophied and the situation is critical throughout the Baltic Sea. Phosphorus is also in short supply and is a finite resource.
A ceiling of 0.5 per cent by weight is to be set to accommodate phosphate residues from manufacturers who produce detergents both with and without phosphates on the same production lines. By permitting 0.5 per cent phosphorus levels, manufacturers can continue to use phosphites in their products.
Contact Mattias Johansson Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren Lisa Anfält Desk Officer +46 8 405 80 37 +46 70 645 80 37
Press release 03 March 2009 Ministry of the Environment Climate negotiations in focus when EU environment ministers meet in Brussels EU environment ministers will meet in Brussels on Monday, 2 March, to decide what contribution the Environment Council will make to the European Council on 19-20 March. Their discussions will primarily deal with the EU's position on the international climate negotiations and what view the EU will take of a global climate regime after 2012.
The issues that the ministers will focus on include the question of what emissions reductions we in the EU expect from other industrialised countries in the negotiations, but also how developing countries can contribute. The European Commission has calculated that investments of the order of EUR 175 billion are needed to reduce global emissions.
- The EU has already said what undertaking we are prepared to make. In the climate and energy package adopted in December the EU set up objectives for emissions reductions far in excess of what any other group of countries in the world has undertaken, says Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren.
- Now we are going to focus on funding, which is far and away the most important and crucial question for an agreement in Copenhagen in December 2009. The EU will continue to have high ambitions concerning the climate, and that also applies to the question of funding. Put simply, what has to be decided is where the money will come from and who will get the money.
- We must strive for greater participation by the most advanced developing countries, which ought to be able to phase out subsidy systems for fossil fuels while continuing to grow. With a 'business as usual' approach in this area, their emissions increases will not decline fast enough. Sweden has important experience to share since we have shown ever since the 1970s that it is possible to combine high growth with lower carbon dioxide emissions, says Mr Carlgren.
The Czech Presidency is also planning a debate on four issues concerning modernisation of the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive. This Directive is intended to limit emissions from industrial facilities. Finally four Council decisions will be presented for adoption by the environment ministers. Three of these concern the repeal of national bans on GMO crops in the EU and the fourth deals with a European negotiating mandate for the IWC, the International Whaling Convention.
In the matter of GMOs Sweden intends to vote for Austria to be allowed to retain its national ban on the cultivation of a GMO maize called T25. This crop is tolerant to the herbicide glufosinate-ammonium (GA), which has in turn been shown to cause reproductive toxicity.
- The decisions in the GMO area have to be taken on the basis of a scientific assessment of risks in use. T25 maize is not dangerous in itself, but it will be in its intended use. GMOs that demonstrably lead to danger to human and animal health and to the environment will not be given permits, says Mr Carlgren.
Contact Mattias Johansson Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren Karin Rappsjö-Emanuelli Political Adviser Tel: +46 8 405 24 14 Mobile: +46 708 39 02 06 Loic Viatte Desk Officer Tel: +46 8 405 45 13 Mobile: +46 761 05 45 13
Press release 23 February 2009 Ministry of the Environment Government proposes including aviation activities in Emissions Trading Scheme The Government decided today to present a proposal entitled Aviation and the Emissions Trading System to the Council on Legislation. The intention is to include aviation activities in the Emissions Trading Scheme as of 2012.
"Air transport needs to bear its own environmental costs just like other modes of transport. Including aviation in the Emissions Trading Scheme is an important step towards making the polluter pay. It will spur the development of new technology and fuels necessary to ensure that future air transport adapts to climate and environmental conditions," says Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren.
The trading scheme will apply to flights to and from airports on European Union territory. Airlines will be required to monitor carbon dioxide emissions from flights that come under the trading scheme. Airlines will also be required to report on an annual basis the emission allowances that cover their actual emissions. The airlines covered by the scheme must also draw up a plan for the measures to be taken to monitor and report emissions. Emissions monitoring will begin in 2010.
Emission allowances will be allocated both free of charge -upon receipt of an application for an allocation of allowances - and by auction. According to European Commission estimates, ticket prices will increase by between EUR 4.60 and EUR 39.60.
Certain airlines with limited operations in the EU and sport aviation activities are not affected by the proposal.
The background to the proposal submitted to the Council on Legislation is an EU directive (Directive 2008/101/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 amending Directive 2003/87/EC so as to include aviation activities in the scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community). In the negotiations on the directive, Sweden pressed for an early inclusion of aviation activities in the Emissions Trading Scheme, a low emission ceiling and full auctioning of emission allowances.
Contact Mattias Johansson Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren Karin Sparrman Desk Officer +46 405 38 11
Press release 29 January 2009 Ministry of the Environment Andreas Carlgren to Madrid, Berlin and Brussels on 28-30 January On Wednesday to Friday Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren is going to Spain, Germany and Belgium to meet the environment and climate ministers of these countries. The state of the international climate negotiations, the Swedish EU presidency this autumn and the Baltic Sea environment will be on the agenda.
"I see it as important to maintain and strengthen these contacts ahead of Sweden's EU Presidency in view of both the coming climate negotiations and the Government's ambitions to raise Baltic Sea issues during the Swedish Presidency," says Mr Carlgren. External links Read more about the In Madrid on Wednesday Mr Carlgren will meet Spain's Environment Minister Elena Espinosa. Spain is the conference on the EEB country that will take over the Presidency after Sweden and it will be an important discussion partner during website the year, especially concerning the Climate Conference in Copenhagen in December.
On Thursday Mr Carlgren will be in Berlin for talks with Germany's Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel on the climate negotiations and the Baltic Sea environment.
In Brussels on Friday Mr Carlgren will meet Mr Paul Magnette, Belgium's Climate and Energy Minister. Belgium is the country that will form the Presidency Trio along with Sweden and Spain when Sweden takes over the EU Presidency. During the day Mr Carlgren will also meet Mr Jaroslaw Pietras, the Director-General of the environment secretariat of the Council of the European Union. In addition, he will give a speech at the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) conference on sustainable development. The EEB is a federation of environmental citizen's organisations in EU and accession countries.
Contact Mattias Johansson Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren
Press release 23 January 2009 Ministry of the Environment Swedish Radiation Safety Authority instructed to undergo an international review The Government today instructed the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority to request an international review of the Authority and its supervisory operations by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The Authority is to present the results of the review to the Government.
"Once the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority has been fully operational for several years, it will be good to have an independent review. The Government has noted an increased international interest in this type of review and we think that the timing is particularly apt," says Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren. External links Read more about the Swedish The SSM itself proposed that the IAEA carry out a review of the Authority and its supervisory operations. It Radiation Safety Authority proposes that the review be carried out in 2012, but the timing will depend on the IAEA's other commitments Read more about the IAEA's in this area. IRRS review programme
The IAEA has an Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) designed to give Member States advice on how to strengthen their national authorities and make them more effective. An IRRS review takes around two years to complete.
Background On 30 June 2008, the Government closed the Swedish Radiation Protection Institute and the Swedish Nuclear Power Inspectorate and replaced them with the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority, which took over all their previous responsibilities. On 20 November 2008, the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority wrote to the Government proposing that it receive instructions to request an IRRS review.
Contact Mattias Johansson Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren Stefan Appelgren Desk Officer +46 8 405 31 38 +46 70 312 31 38
Press release 15 January 2009 Ministry of the Environment Government bans all use of mercury in Sweden The Government today decided to introduce a blanket ban on mercury. The ban means that the use of dental amalgam in fillings will cease and that it will no longer be permitted to place products containing mercury on the Swedish market.
"Sweden is now leading the way in removing and protecting the environment from mercury, which is non- degradable. The ban is a strong signal to other countries and a Swedish contribution to EU and UN aims to reduce mercury use and emissions," says Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren. Related Read more about chemicals The Government's decision means that products containing mercury may not be placed on the Swedish policy market. In practice this means that alternative techniques will have to be used in dental care, chemical analysis and the chloralkali industry. The Swedish Chemicals Agency will be authorised to issue regulations on exceptions or grant exemptions in individual cases.
In connection with the Government's decision, waste containing mercury will be disposed of in deep geological repositories in other EU countries. The Swedish market for hazardous waste is small. Last spring, a government inquiry established that there are existing repositories for waste containing mercury in, for example, Germany that more than adequately meet the safety requirements on which Swedish legislation is based. Creating a new Swedish repository would be around 15 times more expensive than depositing waste in existing facilities in the EU. The bodies consulted on this matter shared the inquiry's conclusions.
"By using common solutions and almost forty years of experience of storing mercury in the EU, we are not lowering safety standards. The waste will be transported to a deep geological repository with high safety standards. In accordance with the polluter pays principle, the owners of the waste will be responsible for ensuring that disposal in a repository is arranged and paying for it," says Mr Carlgren.
The disposal possibilities in other EU countries provide better incentives for the desired development of safe, large-scale technologies to stabilise waste containing mercury.
Since the beginning of the 1990s there has been a ban in Sweden on the manufacture and sale of certain products containing mercury, including thermometers and other measuring devices and electronic components.
The new regulations enter into force on 1 June 2009.
Contact Mattias Johansson Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren Jerker Forsell Desk Officer +46 8 405 39 71
Anna Sanell Desk Officer +46 8 405 21 20 2008
Press release 12 December 2008 Ministry of the Environment Swedish greenhouse gas emissions are declining Sweden is continuing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Emissions fell by a further two percentage points in 2007. Total Swedish emissions have now fallen by a total of 9 per cent since 1990. This year's reduction is one of the biggest since 1990. The reduction from one year to the next has only been greater on two occasions since 1990.
Sweden is continuing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Emissions fell by a further two percentage points in 2007. Total Swedish emissions have now fallen by a total of 9 per cent since 1990. This year's reduction is one of the biggest since 1990. The reduction from one year to the next has only been greater on two occasions External links since 1990. Read more about the greenhouse gas emissions on The Ministry of the Environment today received the preliminary data on Swedish greenhouse gas emissions the website of Swedish for 2007. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's overview shows that overall emissions of the most Environmental protection important greenhouse gases covered by the Kyoto Protocol continue to fall. The period 2006 to 2007 saw a agency reduction of over 2 percentage points. Emissions in 2007 were the lowest for the entire period since 1990. Total emissions have now fallen by 9 per cent since 1990, with carbon dioxide levels in 2007 standing at 65.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents. Over the same period, the economy grew by 48 per cent.
- Sweden continues to set an example for the world that it is possible to reduce emissions and still experience growth. The new emissions figures show that emissions fell and we continued our climate adaptation, even in good economic times, such as we had in 2007. Other countries are very interested in our instruments, not least the carbon dioxide tax, says Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren.
According to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, there are several reasons for the reduction in emissions. The largest reductions, in absolute terms, came in the energy sector. This was mainly a result of oil- fired heating being replaced with biofuels. In other parts of the energy sector, such as industrial energy use, electricity production and district heating, emissions have varied over the years and are currently at approximately the same levels as in 1990. Emissions from agriculture and waste have also fallen significantly since 1990, partly due to reduced landfill disposal of organic waste.
Emissions from the transport sector have increased by a total of 12 per cent since 1990, but the rate of increase has decreased in recent years.
- Emissions from the transport sector must be reduced. We are continuing to develop both national and international instruments for the conversion to renewable fuels and fuel-efficient vehicles. The green car rebate has spurred sales of cars that are less damaging to the environment. Incorporating aviation in the emissions trading system will be a step towards putting a price on emissions and making polluters pay for emissions, says Mr Carlgren.
The emissions figures will be examined by the Government Offices before they are sent to the European Commission on 15 January. The Swedish Environmental Agency has further analysed emissions from previous years, and some previous figures have been adjusted. For this reason, the overall reduction achieved since 1990 stands at the same level as last year, despite the fact that Sweden achieved a reduction of 2 percentage points in 2007. It is primarily the emissions figures for the iron and steel industries that have been revised.
Contact Mattias Johansson Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren Per Rosenqvist Deputy Director +46 8 405 42 20 +46 70 351 69 75 Leif Holmberg Political Adviser +46 8 405 23 88
Press release 20 November 2008 Ministry of the Environment Carlgren receives positive indications from European Parliament ahead of finalisation of EU climate and energy package The chances are good that the EU climate and energy package can be finalised before the conclusion of the French Presidency at the end of the year. This is the indication that Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren received on Wednesday when he met key actors of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
Negotiations on the EU climate and energy package are in a very intense phase. Sweden's Government is currently working very actively so that an agreement with the European Parliament can be reached in December, and that the environmental levels in the package are not watered down.
- There are individual countries that feel concern in times of financial crisis, but it is vital for the EU as a whole and for EU's leadership in the climate issue that we do not lose momentum. It is of utmost importance that the European Council and the Parliament do their best to reach a common solution during the first reading of the proposals contained in the package. The EU needs to have a clear position at the UN climate conference in Poznan, and I am now doing everything in my power so that the negotiations can be concluded during the French Presidency, says Mr Carlgren.
During his visit in Strasbourg Mr Carlgren met the Chair of the Environment Committee, Miroslav Ouzký, the leader of the Socialist Group, Martin Schultz, and representatives of the larger party groups. Mr Carlgren also addressed Nordic parliamentarians, and discussed the Commission's work on the package with Sweden's EU Commissioner Margot Wallström.
- Today I received positive signals from several key people in the Parliament indicating that it is possible for the Council and the Parliament to reach an agreement on the package before Christmas. All parties must be prepared to be flexible during the negotiations so that good compromises can be reached. I am therefore pleased that the European Parliament's Environmental Committee takes a positive view of the proposal presented by Sweden and Hungary to allow a country that invests in emission reductions in another EU country to offset that reduction at home, says Mr Carlgren.
Contact Mattias Johansson Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren Karin Rappsjö-Emanuelli Political Adviser +46 8 405 24 14
Press release 12 November 2008 Ministry of the Environment Mexico interested in Government's sustainable cities initiative Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren presented the Swedish Government's sustainable cities initiative at a seminar in Mexico City today.
"Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world. There is a great deal of curiosity and interest here about the experience we have built up in Sweden. With the world adapting to a low-fossil economy, Swedish expertise is in demand. Hammarby Sjöstad in Stockholm and Bo01 in Malmö can serve as model cities for the world," Mr Carlgren said at the seminar, which was arranged by the Swedish Trade Council.
More than half the world's population lives in cities and every day the world grows by the equivalent of a medium-sized city. With 80 per cent of greenhouse gases being attributable to cities, urban design will play a key role in global efforts to tackle climate change.
During his visit to Mexico, Mr Carlgren has also had talks with the Mexican Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, Juan Rafael Elvira Quesada, and Secretary of Energy Georgina Kessel Martínez. The Mexican Government has presented a proposal on global financing of emissions reductions and adaptation that is based on the principle that all countries are to contribute on the basis of their own situation.
"The financing issue is a key issue in international climate negotiations,"Mr Carlgren stated. The participation of developing countries in a future climate agreement is dependent on our ability in the rich countries of the world to deliver financing for adaptation and emissions-reducing measures."
"I see Mexico's financing proposal as a positive initiative, directed towards both developing countries and industrialised countries. Mexico is taking on the role of bridge-builder in international climate negotiations between developing countries and industrialised countries- not least other oil- producing countries like the United States,"Mr Carlgren said.
Contact Mattias Johansson Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren Karin Rappsjö Emanuelli Political Adviser +46 8 405 24 14
Press release 22 September 2008 Ministry of the Environment Major investment in climate and the marine environment in the environment budget The Government is strengthening the environment budget. Particular priorities are climate and the marine environment, but funds have also been allocated for investments in the future management of predatory animals, the application of shore protection and regulatory reform. In addition, major climate investments are being made in other expenditure areas in the Budget Bill.
"Never before has a government invested so much in the environment. We in Sweden will do all we can to save the climate and become an pioneer country by driving the vehicles and creating the housing necessary to protect our climate. The Budget also lays the foundation for continued work for a high level of ambition and for powerful measures to improve the marine environment," says Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren.
With the autumn Budget Bill the Government has raised the total appropriation for expenditure area 20 - General Environmental Protection and Nature Conservation - by almost SEK 800 million compared to the figure for 2006 to over SEK 5 billion per year for the period 2009-2011.
In the Budget the Government presents a broad package of climate and energy measures totalling SEK 3 billion, and a targeted investment in climate aid amounting to SEK 4 billion. The Government is substantially raising its ambitions for international climate investments. An extra SEK 670 million will be added to the appropriation for the period 2009-2011.
"Sweden will do all it can to save the world's climate, but we can't save the world's climate in Sweden. The Government's investments here in Sweden and in green technology in developing countries demonstrate Sweden's ambition to get the countries of the world on board for a new climate agreement in 2009. International climate investments lead to major emission reductions for the money. The SEK 670 million that has now been allocated is equivalent to investments in emission reductions costing SEK 6-7 billion in Sweden," says Mr Carlgren.
In December 2008 the Government will present its Climate and Energy Bill. In it the Government will present a national target for emission reductions, as well as guidelines for changes to environment and energy taxes that will help Sweden to meet its share of the EU climate and energy policy targets. The end of the green car rebate in 2009 will raise the issue of changes in taxes to enhance environmental governance.
Extensive investments are already being made in measures to adapt Sweden to changes in the climate. The Government is allocating SEK 584 million for the period 2009-2011. This investment covers funds to improve the state of knowledge about the risks of landslides and avalanches, to improve the national Terrain Elevation Databank, and to enable the county administrative boards to take on a coordinating role in regional adaptation work.
The Government has launched a major investment in our marine environment in order to improve the environment of the Baltic Sea and the Skagerrak and Kattegat. It is now taking the next step in this investment. An extra SEK 655 million will be added to the special appropriation for the marine environment in the period 2009-2011. This means that with this Budget, the Government is investing a total of just over SEK 1 billion during the electoral period in a powerful agenda on marine environment policy.
"Marine environment issues require active and broad commitment, both in Sweden and abroad. The main share of investments in the marine environment has to be made on land. We are investing both in more long-term measures against emissions, and in measures that can produce quick results for our seas," says Mr Carlgren.
The Government's ambition is to strengthen cross-sector work on marine environment issues. A coherent Marine Environment Policy Bill will be presented to the Riksdag at the beginning of 2009.
The environment will be one of three key areas in the Government's programme for research funding in the coming years. SEK 185 million of the environment budget has been allocated to environmental research for the years 2009-2011. The Government considers that strengthening research into low-resource production solutions, transport systems and renewable materials is crucial in order to be able to tackle environmental challenges and provide opportunities for growth, employment and exports. Research into the marine environment will also receive greater appropriations, with an additional SEK 10 million per year being allocated to the newly established Marine Environment Institute.
Biological diversity is a cornerstone of the Government's environmental policy and represents the largest individual item on the environment side of the Budget. The total appropriation for the period 2009-2011 is just over SEK 5.5 billion. Previously, it has not been deemed possible to achieve the Riksdag's acreage target, under the Sustainable Forests environmental quality objective, for the formal protection of valuable forest by 2010.
"The previous Government and the parties backing it left us with completely insufficient rules, methods and procedures for the protection of forests. Following the newly reached agreement with Sveaskog concerning set-asides of land, and as a result of further developments in work to create new methods and instruments, as well as other major landowners' set-asides for protection, the Government considers that it will be possible to achieve the environmental objective on the formal protection of forests by 2010. We are now on the way to achieving the protection of valuable nature for future generations that past policy would not have made possible," says Mr Carlgren. The Government intends to develop shore protection so as to provide clearer protection in the areas that are under strong development pressure. At the same time, a greater degree of local and regional adaptation will be possible. The Ministry of the Environment has presented a proposal for new, appropriate shore protection (Ds 2008:21), and the Government will present a bill later in the autumn. In order to improve the application of future legislation on shore protection in municipalities and counties, an extra SEK 27.7 million is being allocated for the period 2009-2011.
The Government wants to improve and simplify both the regulatory framework and the application of rules for planning and building. From 2009 the National Board of Housing, Building and Planning will be allocated SEK 5 million per year to develop better application of the Planning and Building Act. The total funding provided will amount to SEK 35 million per year from 2009. In 2009 the Government will present the Riksdag with a proposal on the future management of predatory animals. In the Budget the Government has announced an investment of SEK 27 million for the period 2009-2011 in skills enhancement measures at the county administrative boards.
Contact Mattias Johansson Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren Karin Rappsjö Emanuelli Political Adviser +46 8 405 24 14
Marie Glanell Deputy Director +46 8 405 22 87
Press release 23 June 2008 Ministry of the Environment Andreas Carlgren visiting USA Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren is visiting Washington DC, USA on Monday and Tuesday 23-24 June. Mr Carlgren will discuss the international climate negotiations with the presidential candidates' advisers, senators, members of congress and the current administration.
Among the issues that will be raised are work on climate issues by Sweden and the EU, the international climate negotiations and what role Sweden will play when it holds the Presidency of the EU ahead of and during the negotiations in Copenhagen in 2009 on a global climate agreement. "The US has a key role if we are to achieve a global climate agreement in Copenhagen in 2009. We are now working to lay the foundation for an agreement by discussing the possibilities with the presidential candidates'staffs and with the current administration," says Mr Carlgren. Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren will meet with advisers to both presidential candidates: Dr Douglas Holtz-Eakin, who is Policy Director to John McCain and Mr Frank Loy, who is energy and environmental adviser to Barack Obama. Mr Carlgren will also meet with members of congress and the senate. These include Senator Barbara Boxer (D), Chairman of the Committee on Environment and Public Works; Congressman Jay Inslee (D), Committee on Energy and Commerce; and Congressman Wayne Gilchrest. Mr Carlgren will also meet with James Connaughton, who is an adviser to President Bush.
Contact Charlotta Eriksson Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren
Press release 02 June 2008 Ministry of the Environment Upcoming EU presidencies: France, Sweden and the Czech Republic confirmed that they will work closely with the aim to finalize t Mr Jean-Louis BORLOO, Minister for Ecology, Energy, Sustainable Development and Spatial Planning of France, welcomed today in Paris Mr Martin BURSIK, Minister of Environment of the Czech Republic, and Mr Andreas CARLGREN, Minister of Environment of Sweden, together with the European Commission and the General Secretariat of the Council, to further co-operation in the environmental field during the 18 month period of their EU presidencies from 1 July 2008 till 31 December 2009.
During this meeting, the three ministers primarily discussed the following issues for the next 18 months' work in the Council : - climate change and energy (the climate and energy legislative package), Related - sustainable development (particularly sustainable consumption and production), - and biodiversity (regarding the 2010 objective to halt the loss of biodiversity), Läs pressmeddelande: along with pollution matters, waste management, chemicals and marine issues in the Mediterranean and the Andreas Carlgren till Paris för Baltic Seas. möte med EU:s kommande ordförandeländer The three ministers agreed to further the EU internal negotiations on the climate and energy legislative package with the aim to finalize the negotiations before next year's elections to the European Parliament and in the perspective of facilitating the concluding international negotiations on the post-Kyoto protocol in Copenhagen in December 2009.
They emphasize that a low carbon economy will not only merit climate change but also create jobs and growth and place Europe in the frontline.
Considering that deforestation is at the meantime one of the biggest sources of greenhouse gazes emission and the cause of important damages in terms of biodiversity, the three ministers, together with the European Commission, also called for a study on the economical impacts of deforestation. The next three presidencies also said that they will associate more widely Africa to the negociation on a post-2012 agreement on climate change.
Press release 28 May 2008 Ministry of the Environment Go-ahead for wind power at Stora Middelgrund The Government has granted approval for a wind farm at Stora Middelgrund in the Kattegatt. The wind farm will triple Swedish wind power production compared with the present level. The decision sets out conditions to ensure the environment is protected.
Universal Wind Offshore AB has applied for approval to establish a wind farm at Stora Middelgrund in the Swedish economic zone. Stora Middelgrund lies some 30 km west of the Halland coast parallel with Halmstad. The wind farm has an estimated annual capacity of 3 TWh of electricity. This is twice as much as the country's total electricity production from wind power in 2007.
"We are seeing record growth in investments in wind power. We are now working to catch up in an area where Sweden has fallen behind and that has been neglected much too long. Investments in wind power are crucial as part of the EU mission for the climate and renewable energy," says Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren.
The Government is now granting approval for the wind farm, which will consist of a maximum of 108 wind turbines with a total height of no more than 200 metres and an installed output of approximately 860 MW. The wind farm will be spread across an area of approximately 60 km2 and the wind turbines themselves will take up an area of 0.15 km2.
The decision sets out conditions to ensure the environment is protected. The company has to consult the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and the county administrative board about the placement of each individual wind turbine. Construction is not allowed to start until approval has been received from the county administrative board. The company is also required to investigate the impact of the facility on seabed fauna, marine mammals, birdlife, fish stocks and fishing.
Contact Tomas Uddin Ann Bölske Deputy Director +46 8 405 35 54
Press release 22 April 2008 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Secretary-General of the OECD visiting Sweden Secretary-General of the OECD, Angel Gurría, is visiting Sweden on 22-23 April at the invitation of Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.
Time and place External links Press conference with Secretary-General Angel Gurría and Minister for Trade Ewa Björling Delegation of Sweden to the Time: Wednesday 23 April, at 11.00 OECD in Paris Place: Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Gustav Adolfs Torg 1 Read more about Angel Gurría at OECD's website Dr Björling and Mr Gurría will hold talks about the role of the OECD in the international economic system and trade policy issues of the future, as well as trade and climate change.
During his visit to Stockholm, Mr Gurría will also meet Minister for Enterprise and Energy Maud Olofsson, Minister for Finance Anders Borg, Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt, Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson, Minister for Employment Sven Otto Littorin, Minister for Higher Education and Research Lars Leijonborg, Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren, Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy Tobias Billström and Minister for Local Government and Financial Markets Mats Odell.
On Tuesday Mr Gurría is giving a speech at the Stockholm School of Economics.
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The OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) has 30 member states. Its headquarters are in Paris.
Press release 16 April 2008 Ministry of the Environment Increased appropriations to biological diversity and green cars in 2008 The Government is allocating SEK 50 million to biological diversity and SEK 240 million to green cars in the supplementary budget for 2008. The appropriation for biological diversity is thus being kept at its current level until new, more cost-effective site protection methods can be implemented.
"We are developing existing methods and procedures both to enhance the long-term protection of valuable forest and at the same time achieve the greatest possible environmental benefit for every krona invested. We are now following a coherent line and keeping up the supply of funds until the planned measures can be implemented," says Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren.
Biological diversity is a cornerstone of the Government's environmental policy and represents the largest individual item in the environment budget. However, the Government inherited a situation in which methods and procedures are not sufficient to enable it to achieve the objective set by the Riksdag.
"The protection given to valuable forest needs to be upgraded. We are now working for several measures that will develop existing methods and instruments, and thus lead to more cost-effective site protection," says Mr Carlgren.
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency has been given greater powers, together with the county administrative boards, to sign temporary contractual agreements with landowners for the protection of forest that is worth extra protection. The Government has given the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, the Swedish Forest Agency and the Swedish Agency for Public Management various tasks concerning the development of site protection. Following a formal consultation period, the Government will present proposals for complementary forms of protection and procedures to enable more effective site protection.
The change in appropriations means that certain measures for the cleaning-up and rehabilitation of polluted areas will be postponed until a later date.
Sales of green cars have been record high over the past year. One in every three new cars sold in Sweden is a green car. The Government is now earmarking an additional SEK 240 million in this year's budget for the SEK 10 000 rebate paid to all buyers of green cars.
"Sales of green cars have exceeded both our hopes and the estimates that we and others made prior to the introduction of the rebate. We are now ensuring in this year's budget that everyone who buys a green car will receive the rebate," says Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren.
The Government previously set aside SEK 100 million for green car rebates in 2008. In the supplementary budget, the Government is adding SEK 240 million. A total of SEK 340 million has thus been earmarked for the rebate in 2008. The green car rebate is available until 31 December 2009.
"The rebate has turned out to be a very good way for motorists to swap to cars that are better for the environment. Sweden is the European leader in terms of green cars sold, and car manufacturers are heading for Sweden so as to compete with new models. Never before have Swedish car-buyers had so many green car models to choose from," says Mr Carlgren.
The supplementary budget also contains a proposal for a new appropriation to the new Swedish Radiation Safety Authority which is to be established on 1 July 2008. It will be financed via transfers from existing appropriation frameworks for the Swedish Radiation Protection Institute and the Swedish Nuclear Power Inspectorate, which will cease to be government agencies on 30 June 2008.
Contact Tomas Uddin
Press release 14 March 2008 Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications Ministry of the Environment Joint initiative to present Swedish electric cars The Swedish car and power industries are now joining forces to launch the next generation of green cars. Today sees the presentation of the cooperation project to create hybrid vehicles that can be charged with electricity directly from the wall socket. The Government is investing SEK 240 million to partially finance research into environmentally friendly vehicles. The Swedish Energy Agency is providing SEK 20 million in support of this new cooperation project.
"We have decided to cooperate so as to speed up the development of the next generation of cars and engines. When companies, politicians and industry make a joint decision to move issues forward we can achieve better results. This can become a major and important technological advance, and one that is needed to tackle the threat of climate change," says Minister for Enterprise and Energy Maud Olofsson.
"Sweden can be a world leader when it comes to creating the solutions needed to adapt means of transport - solutions that are now in demand throughout the rest of the world. Green solutions from the Swedish car and power industries can benefit from export successes and at the same time make an important contribution to solving the world's climate and energy problems," says Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren.
The aim of the cooperation project presented today is to develop and demonstrate plug-in hybrids, the next generation of hybrid vehicles that can be charged directly from a wall socket. Elforsk - the research organisation of Sweden's electricity companies - has calculated that if 70 per cent of Swedish cars were to run on electricity, carbon dioxide emissions from private cars would decrease by 80 per cent.
This project is a collaboration between Saab Automobile, Volvo Car Corporation, Vattenfall AB and ETC AB. The project is being carried out with the support of the Swedish Energy Agency. A total of SEK 62 million is being invested in the project, and the Swedish Energy Agency is contributing SEK 20 million of this.
The project will see plug-in models from Saab and Volvo become operational - models that the manufacturers intend to make available on the market within a few years.
The reason given by the Swedish Energy Agency for its decision to support the project is that Sweden is particularly suitable for the development and demonstration of plug-in hybrids as a cold climate often makes great demands on batteries.
Contact Frank Nilsson Pressekreterare hos Anna-Karin Hatt Tomas Uddin
Press release 13 February 2008 Ministry of the Environment Additional information needed for Government to examine applications for gas pipeline in Baltic Sea Key information is missing from Nord Stream's applications for permission to build a gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea. There is a significant amount of additional information required for the Government to be able to examine the applications. The applications must be supplemented with an environmental impact assessment of the entire stretch of the pipelines through the Baltic Sea, the results of the investigations conducted and information on alternative routes for the entire stretch of the pipelines. A request for the additional information has today been sent to Nord Stream.
Nord Stream has applied for permission to build a maintenance platform and to lay two parallel gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea for the transportation of natural gas from Russia to Germany. The Government received the permit applications on 21 December 2007. The applications are being processed in accordance with the Download international conventions that Sweden has undertaken to follow, as well as with the Continental Shelf Act and the Swedish Exclusive Economic Zone Act. The Government Offices has now examined the applications from Letter requesting supplement Nord Stream. from Nord Stream AG (pdf 68 kB) The Government Offices considers that the applications are incomplete. Key information is missing. As is stated in the letter that has been sent to Nord Stream, the application documents need to be supplemented with:
- an environmental impact assessment of the entire stretch of the pipelines, and the results of the cross-border consultations in accordance with the Esbo Convention. - the results and conclusions of ongoing and planned investigations and inquiries. - information on alternative routes for the entire stretch of the pipelines, alternative locations for the maintenance platform and the possibility that the project does not materialise ('zero alternative'). - detailed and in-depth material in the technical description and in the environmental impact assessment in the maintenance platform application.
"The Government will conduct a very comprehensive and thorough environmental assessment of how the project would affect the Baltic Sea environment. We have been clear in stating that we require high-quality background material and information on alternative routes for the entire stretch of pipeline," says Minister of the Environment Andreas Carlgren.
"The applications must be accurate, specific and well-founded for the Government to be able to assess the impact on the environment and examine whether permission should be granted. The company has full responsibility for ensuring that the applications and the environmental impact assessments meet the high quality requirements set," says Mr Carlgren.
Contact Tomas Uddin
Press release 06 February 2008 Ministry of the Environment Sweden to step up environmental cooperation with India The Government is increasing environmental cooperation with India. Sweden is opening an environment and energy office in Delhi.
A memorandum of understanding on technology and experience exchange has been initiated between the Swedish and Indian governments. Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren presented the initiative during his visit to Delhi today. Related - The environment and energy office will arrange contacts between Swedish companies and India. This is Speaking notes at the Swedish important not least for smaller companies that are good at developing products and exporting, but need Trade Council i seminar contacts with public authorities and companies here in India, says "Environmental technology Mr Carlgren. for sustainable urban development Sweden and India also intend to develop technological cooperation and experience exchange in the environmental area, on the basis of a memorandum of understanding. There will be a particular focus on sustainable cities and planning.
- We are now launching a long-term campaign for environmental partnership between the business sector and public authorities. We need increased cooperation so as to both develop the technology and exchange the experiences that are required to manage the climate challenge.
About 30 companies are represented in the Swedish delegation in India. Andreas Carlgren presented the initiative during the Swedish Trade Council seminar "Environmental Technology for Sustainable Urban Development", where the new concept SymbioCity was also unveiled.
Contact Tomas Uddin
Press release 15 January 2008 Ministry of the Environment Applications for a gas pipeline through the Baltic Sea have reached the Government The company Nord Stream today submitted applications for permission to build a gas pipeline and maintenance platform for the gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea.
Nord Stream AG is planning to lay down a gas pipeline and build a maintenance platform in the Baltic Sea in order to transport natural gas in a pipeline between Vyborg in Russia and Greifswald in Germany.
In order for the project to be implemented in Sweden's economic zone, the Government's permission is required. The Government will examine the project very carefully in accordance with Swedish legislation and international conventions. Permission to lay down a gas pipeline will be examined in accordance with the Continental Shelf Act (1966:314), and permission to build a maintenance platform is examined in accordance with the Swedish Exclusive Economic Zone Act (1992:1140).
The Government Offices, including the relevant ministries, are beginning to process the matter.
Comprehensive, high-quality briefing material is required in order for the Government to be able to assess the project's environmental impact on the Baltic Sea.
Before an examination can begin, an assessment must be made as to whether the application meets the necessary requirements. If need be, the application will be submitted to the government agencies concerned, and others, for viewpoints about additions. If additions are necessary, they will be requested from the company.
Based on the additions, a new assessment of the application's scope will be made. If the application meets the legal requirements, it will be circulated to government agencies, other bodies concerned and the Baltic Sea states for comment. The company will then be given the opportunity to comment on the opinions submitted. Further consultation rounds may also be necessary. The Government will then make a decision on whether or not permission can be granted.
"We are now at the start of a very tough environmental examination. The impact that the gas pipeline will have on the sensitive environment of the Baltic Sea will be closely studied. The Swedish Government will use the opportunities we have - with the help of Swedish and international law - to protect the environment," says Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren.
Contact Tomas Uddin 2007
Press release 18 December 2007 Ministry of the Environment Swedish greenhouse gas emissions are declining Swedish emissions fell by 1.7 per cent between 2005 and 2006. The emissions have decreased by nearly nine per cent from 1990 levels. This means that Sweden has reduced its emissions by 12.7 per cent more than agreed under the Kyoto Protocol. This is shown by data on Swedish greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 to 2006 that the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency delivered to the Government today.
At the same time, figures from Statistics Sweden show that the economy, in fixed prices, has grown by 44 per cent between 1990 and 2006. External links "Developments in Sweden give us a chance to show other countries that are doubtful that it is possible to reconcile economic growth with emissions reductions. This means we can both encourage industrialised The Swedish Environmental countries that have not yet done enough and convince developing countries that sustainable development of Protection Agency's website society is possible," says Andreas Carlgren, speaking from the climate conference in Bali.
The positive trend of lower emissions from housing and services has continued. These emissions have decreased by more than 50 per cent since 1990. Oil for heating has been replaced by district heating and in recent years also by heat pumps and burning pellets.
Emissions from the transport sector are decreasing for the first time for many years. The rising curve of emissions from road transport appears to be levelling off.
"The Swedish example shows how important it is to let carbon dioxide emissions cost and for the polluter to pay. These trends show that it was right to raise the tax on carbon dioxide," says Mr Carlgren.
Emissions from international shipping and aviation continue to increase and in 2006 were approximately 2.5 times as high as in 1990. These emissions are not covered by the Kyoto Protocol or included in the figures that Sweden provides to the EU and the UNFCCC.
See all the figures on the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency website.
Contact Political Adviser Hannes Borg +46 70 838 09 79
Desk Officer Anna Forsgren +46 8 405 36 30
Press release 13 December 2007 Ministry of the Environment The Government wants the EU to impose stricter requirements for information about dangerous chemical substances The EU Commission is working on drafting guidelines on how REACH, the new EU chemical legislation, is to be interpreted and applied with regard to demands for information on particularly dangerous substances in products. Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren has written to the Commission to ensure that the objectives of REACH are realised, so that end-users can handle them safely and make conscious purchase decisions.
In the ongoing work on to produce guidelines, the EU Commission advocates an interpretation of the concept of products that risks leading to information only needing to be disclosed in a few cases. Several Member States have reacted critically to the proposal. Download Letter to the Commission of Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren had therefore written a letter to the Commissioner for the European Union (pdf 2.0 Enterprise and Industry, Gunter Verheugen , and the Commissioner for the Environment, Stavros Dimas, to MB) increase their efforts to agree on guidelines that fulfil the REACH objectives.
"I would like to emphasise that the obligation to spread information on particularly dangerous substances is one of the most important tasks of REACH," writes Andreas Carlgren.
Belgium and Austria have also sent similar letters.
Background REACH makes demands on the suppliers of products containing any particularly dangerous substance to provide the receiver with information so that the product can be handled safely. REACH also contains requirements for registration of use at the European Chemicals Agency under certain conditions. These requirements are seen by the Swedish Government as an important cornerstone of REACH. They will allow safer product handling throughout the lifecycle of the product and more account to be taken of the health and environmental aspects in product development. The national agencies will also be better informed about where the dangerous substances occur. REACH would thus be able to prevent problems that dangerous substances in products cause today, such as the in most recent publicised cases of toys having to be recalled from the market due to lead pollutants, and of textiles found to contain the environmentally dangerous substance nonylphenol.
Contact Tomas Uddin Jerker Forsell Desk Officer 08-405 39 71
Press release 22 November 2007 Ministry of the Environment Government adopts carbon offsetting for air travel
The Swedish Government is introducing carbon offsetting for ministerial international air travel. The emissions produced by air travel will be offset by supporting projects in developing countries that result in equivalent emission reductions. Carbon offsetting will be limited for the time being to predetermined international travel, for example travel to and from conferences. Guidelines on what travel will be subject to carbon offsetting are now being drawn up by the Swedish Government Offices. Special funds have been earmarked for this purpose in the 2008 budget. "We will offset emissions from our air travel by building up environmental technology in developing countries that result in emission reductions that otherwise would not have been made," says the Minister of the Environment, Andreas Carlgren. "The projects lead to emission reductions that would not have been made without offsetting," says Carlgren. Carbon offsetting is done by purchasing CDM (Clean Development Mechanism) certificates. CDM projects are subject to quality control by the UN's CDM Executive Board. The Swedish Energy Agency will act as intermediary, and may also take responsibility for further quality control in each individual case. The Government is also considering introducing guidance for members of the business community and the general public who wish to voluntarily offset their emissions from car journeys and air travel, for example, so that the offsetting is transferred to the certificates monitored under the UN system. "The Government Offices' carbon offsetting is one way of showing that anyone who wishes to do something about the emissions caused by their travel can do so safely. There are monitored projects, and there is no need to risk dealing with climate cheats," says the Minister.
Background Carbon offsetting makes use of the provisions that exist in the Kyoto Protocol system for cost-effective emission reductions. In the case of air travel, for example, the traveller can purchase a certificate for emission-reducing measures in some other sector and in a completely different country. This is effective because all reductions are of equal value in relation to reduced climate impact.
Contact Tomas Uddin
Press release 31 October 2007 Ministry of the Environment The Government wants alternative routes for gas pipelines to be presented The Nord Stream company plans to lay two parallel gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea. The project requires a permit from the Government. The Swedish Government considers that the project's environmental impact assessment should contain alternative routes.
"Once we have received the application, we will examine the project very carefully in accordance with Swedish legislation and international conventions. The impact that the pipelines will have on the sensitive environment of the Baltic Sea will be closely studied," says Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren.
The information provided by the company to date shows that the chosen primary route in Sweden's Baltic Sea economic zone, and close to Gotland, passes through a number of environmentally problematic and risk-filled areas. These include areas that have been designated special protection areas under the Natura 2000 network, and areas with mines and dumped chemical weapons.
The international conventions that must be followed when considering granting permits require that reasonable alternatives are reported. In the consultations concerning the project that have taken place, many of the Swedish referral comments, including those from several government agencies, have placed demands that alternative routes be reported. The European Parliament has recently issued a resolution encouraging Member States and the Commission to make sure that a complete environmental impact assessment is conducted before approving large infrastructure investments.
"In order for the Government to be able to assess the environmental impact, comprehensive background material of a high standard is needed that allows comparisons of the route applied for with other possible main routes that are advantageous from an environmental perspective. The environmental impact assessment should include descriptions of such alternative main routes in the Baltic Sea," says Mr Carlgren.
"The information provided by the company shows that routes located further east would be better able to avoid environmental problems and risks. It is now up to the company to report on other routes possible from the perspective of the environment and risks, and also why this particular route was chosen."
Contact Tomas Uddin Sten Jerdenius Desk Officer +46 8 405 39 10 +46 70 755 80 53
Press release 11 October 2007 Ministry of the Environment The Government has decided on allocations for emissions trading The Government today decided to amend the Emissions Trading Ordinance. The amendment applies to allocation of emission allowances to Swedish companies in the trading period 2008-2012.
"We are now reducing the allocation of emission allowances. This complies with the Commission's decision on the allocation plan, and is completely in line with the Government's ambition to reduce emissions," says Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren.
The number of emission allowances allocated to companies has been reduced from 24.9 million tonnes to 22.5 million tonnes per year compared with the allocation plan presented to the European Commission by the previous government. The reduction is approximately one-tenth.
"I welcome the fact that the Commission is reducing the European emission trading bubble. Swedish emissions will be reduced as part of the European reductions," says Mr Carlgren.
The amended regulations for emissions trading are based on the principles established by the Riksdag, which stated, among other things, that the allocation to existing installations in the energy sector should be more restrictive than allocations to installations in other sectors.
The Government has decided that existing installations in the electricity and district heating sectors will not be allocated any emission allowances in the trading period. This means that existing installations in the energy sector will have to rely entirely on the market to buy emission allowances equivalent to their emissions.
"This will have the same effect as if these installations were already subject to auctioning of emissions allowances," says Mr Carlgren.
Installations with fuel-related emissions in industry will receive a somewhat reduced allocation, which will be cut down proportionally to achieve the reduction decided.
Allocations to new entrants in the trading system will not be affected by the reductions.
The amended ordinance also regulates the extent to which companies may use emission credits from climate projects outside Sweden's borders within the framework of the trading system (the Joint Implementation and Clean Development Mechanism projects). The margin has been reduced from 20 per cent to 10 per cent of the total allocation.
Emission trading involves some 700 facilities and 40 per cent of Swedish carbon dioxide emissions.
Contact Tomas Uddin Anders Lillienau Deputy Director +46 8 405 21 44
David Mjureke Desk Officer +46 8 405 12 66
Press release 03 October 2007 Ministry of the Environment The Commission on Climate and Vulnerability Sweden must adapt to a new climate Sweden will be greatly affected by climate change. Adaptation to climate change should start now. This is the conclusion drawn by the Commission on Climate and Vulnerability in its final report, which makes recommendations including increased responsibility for municipalities and county administrative boards and government support for large-scale high-cost initiatives.
"The climate scenarios the Commission has produced contain uncertainties, but are sufficiently robust to be used as a basis for public planning," says the Chair of the Commission, Bengt Holgersson. "Municipalities, government agencies, companies and individuals must become aware of climate change and what it will mean for different regions and sectors of society."
For Sweden, as for other northern countries, climate change will bring both positive and negative effects. The temperature climate in the Mälardalen valley will resemble that in northern France today, but with higher levels of precipitation. This will bring increased risk of flooding, landslides and erosion in many parts of the country. At the same time, forest growth will increase, Sweden's energy balance will improve in line with increased hydropower potential, and energy requirements for heating will decrease by 30 percent towards the end of the century.
In several areas, it is important that measures are taken now, including for housing development, roads, railways, power and telecommunications networks and wastewater management systems. Municipalities must start taking account of climate change and the risks of extreme weather events in their physical planning, so that further risks do not become built into society. The Commission has made broad model calculations of the costs of damage that may arise.
"There are obviously great uncertainties in our calculations, but we wish to show how important it is to take measures right now, so that the impact on Sweden will not be unnecessarily severe," says Holgersson. "Over 300,000 buildings are in high-risk areas for landslides and erosion. Buildings to a value of SEK 30-100 billion, depending on how the climate develops, are expected to be affected over the next century if no action is taken. Flooding of the built environment may cost over SEK 100 billion. Damage prevention costs are in many cases substantially lower. In certain parts of the country, relatively high-cost investments need to be made immediately to prevent extensive damage to areas with existing development such as those around Lake Vänern and Lake Mälaren. A government climate adaptation grant should be established to support these efforts.
Consideration of the effects of climate change must be integrated into decision-making processes in both the private and public sectors, to make climate adaptation cost-effective. Many measures can be taken in conjunction with regular maintenance and new investment. The Commission wishes county administrative boards to be given a key role in climate adaptation activity, and makes proposals that include the establishment of a climate adaptation committee in each county administrative board to support municipalities and other players.
Forest growth is expected to increase by about 20-40 percent. Conditions for agricultural production will improve, while damage to forests and crops will increase. Storm damage to forests, with consequences across society, will also increase. Far-sighted measures are needed to exploit the advantages and avoid undesirable adaptation, such as pesticide use and the introduction of tree species unfavourable to biological diversity.
Swedish nature will undergo change, and ecosystems in the Baltic Sea may change dramatically. There will be an invasion of scrub in the mountains. The warmer climate will also bring health risks, such as increased spread of infection to both humans and animals.
Knowledge of how climate change will affect different parts of society and of adaptation strategies that should be taken is still relatively limited, and the Commission concludes that more research in this area is needed. The report proposes the establishment of a new institute focused on climate research and climate adaptation in order to harness efforts in this area.
The report M2007:60 "Sweden and Climate Change - Threats and Opportunities" will be translated into English and published in the end of November 2007.
Contact Bengt Holgersson Chair of Inquiry Tel: 0705-18 66 00
Tom Hedlund Principal Secretary Tel: 0708-969 708
Press release 19 September 2007 Ministry of the Environment Increased climate investments in the 2008 Budget The Government is strengthening its investments to prevent climate change in the 2008 Budget Bill. A climate billion is to be invested in the period until 2010 on sustainable cities, energy efficiency measures, technological development, research and international efforts. A climate tax package, consisting of a total of more than SEK 3 billion in increased energy and climate tax has been presented. Nitrogen oxide charges are being raised to reduce Swedish emissions of this gas.
"The Government has substantially raised the level of ambition with regard to climate policy. In the Budget, we are developing a range of precise policy instruments that put a premium on things that are good for the environment and a price on emissions that harm the environment," says Minister for the Environment Related Andreas Carlgren. Fact sheet: Higher carbon dioxide tax for reduced traffic The measures targeting the climate, energy and the environment are more extensive than previously. Climate emissions initiatives are being taken in several different expenditure areas of the Budget.
"The Budget is a breakthrough for our work to ensure that the environment is integrated into broad areas of Government policy, such as industrial and energy policies, taxes, development assistance, forestry management and rural development. The Budget initiative for jobs and the environment are necessary to make Sweden a model of a climate-adapted society while, at the same time, experiencing strong growth," says Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren.
Environmental policy and part of the policy area Research Policy are included in expenditure area 20 of the Budget. This expenditure area accounts for SEK 4.7 billion in 2008.
Measures to reduce emissions of nitric oxide The Government is developing measures to reduce emissions of nitric oxide. Total emissions of nitric oxide are too high for Sweden to be able to achieve its commitments under the EU ceiling directive and the environmental quality objectives decided upon by the Riksdag. Emissions are expected to be 154 000 tonnes in 2010. Further measures to reduce these emissions by some 6 000 tonnes per year are needed.
In the Budget Bill, the Government proposes an increase in nitric oxide charges from SEK 40 to SEK 50 per kilo nitric oxide. This charge has remained unchanged since the system was introduced in 1992 and its effect in controlling emissions has declined. An increase will mean that it will be profitable to make purification treatment more effective in a large number of plants. It is expected that the increase in charges will further reduce emissions by some 3000-5000 tonnes per year. This increase should be evaluated after two years.
Companies and municipalities to be more active against litter Litter is a priority issue for all environmental work. To deal with litter, individual people, companies, municipalities and organisations need to become involved. It is reasonable for companies producing products whose packages are discarded as litter to contribute to the work to reduce it.
The Government is now allocating SEK 2 million in 2008 to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency to develop cooperation with municipalities and companies, who can also invest financial resources, so as to reduce litter. Initiatives that can be carried out include information to citizens about where they can throw different types of rubbish, better rubbish collection on streets, in squares and in public transport, the development of products that do not produce litter (such as eliminating unnecessary packaging) or other product development.
Cooperation between the state and local authorities and companies will result in a greater commitment to stop litter at several levels of society.
Climate The "climate billion" will strengthen efforts that the Government considers necessary and correct in the short term, and supplements other action for the climate. SEK 245 million has been allocated for 2008, SEK 415 million in 2009 and SEK 340 million in 2010. The climate billion will enable an increase in measures that include: energy efficiency initiatives, climate research, pilot and demonstration projects for second- generation biofuels, a network for windfarming and sustainable yield of bioenergy in agriculture and forestry.
Far-reaching climate measures in Sweden will be supplemented by international climate initiatives. These will contribute to sustainable development, transfer of environmental technology and stronger international climate cooperation. SEK 32 million will be invested each year, making a total of SEK 96 million.
A sustainable cities programme will be developed. This investment will promote integrated solutions for water, energy and wastewater, conversion and new construction of buildings with minimal heating needs. It will also be part of introducing new technology that makes it possible to reduce energy needs. These funds can be used to make it easier for companies and municipalities to substantially improve their environmental and climate performance by minimising resource and energy use. In all, SEK 340 million will be invested in 2009 and 2010.
Marine environment Sweden is to be proactive in marine environment efforts, both at home and internationally. A new appropriation for forceful marine environment action has been established. SEK 0.5 billion has already been allocated. This appropriation is to be used for a package of measures aimed at improving the environment in both Skagerrak and Kattegat in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. SEK 38 million has been allocated in 2007 for pilot projects until future measures are put into place. The Government proposes that SEK 100 million be allocated in 2008, SEK 150 million in 2009 and SEK 200 million in 2010.
Biological diversity Biological diversity is a cornerstone of the Government's environmental policy and represents the largest individual item in the environment budget. The level of allocation for biological diversity has grown from SEK 350 million in 1997 to SEK 1.9 billion in 2007. The Government intends to develop existing methods and instruments to achieve more cost-effective site protection.
The Committee on Environmental Objectives has shown that it is impossible to achieve the present acreage goal under Sustainable forests, despite the fact that a significant proportion of the allocation for biological diversity is being used. The Government has inherited a situation in which postponement of work in achieving this goal is inevitable. The Government will now review whether this goal can be achieved within the designated time frame and examine the conditions for developing new instruments and methods.
At present, the Government considers that site protection should already be adapted to a lower cost level. The Government proposes that the allocation for biological diversity be reduced by SEK 50 million in 2008, SEK 200 million in 2009 and SEK 200 million in 2010. By reducing the allocation level, the Government intends to encourage new means of achieving the environmental goal, by confirming and making use of the knowledge and commitment of land owners to a greater degree. The Government will continue to be active in ensuring that the state, as a land owner, contributes to the achievement of the sub-goal.
The more in-depth evaluation of the Committee on Environmental Objectives and the Swedish Agency for Public Management's study will provide the basis for the Government's future assessment. The Government intends to come back to the Riksdag as to how the Government plans to develop site protection.
Contact Tomas Uddin
Press release 12 September 2007 Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications Ministry of the Environment Ministry for Rural Affairs Climate billion to be presented in the budget The Government is strengthening Sweden's climate efforts. The upcoming Budget Bill will allocate a further SEK 1 billion for 2008 to 2010.
Minister for Enterprise and Energy Maud Olofsson, Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren and Minister for Agriculture Eskil Erlandsson presented the contents of the climate billion yesterday. SEK 245 million will be allocated in 2008, SEK 415 million in 2009 and SEK 340 million in 2010.
The climate billion will strengthen efforts that the Government considers necessary and correct in the short term, and supplements other action for the climate.
The climate billion will bring increased efforts in a range of areas.
Energy efficiency measures The investment in energy efficiency will include procurement and market introduction of energy-efficient technology, energy declaration requirements for buildings, climate advice for consumers and business operators, and development of climate labelling of products and services. SEK 120 million will be invested in these areas in 2008, SEK 130 million in 2009 and SEK 60 million in 2010.
Climate research The Government is increasing the appropriation provided to the Rossby Centre at the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute to prepare climate models and scenarios to support policy decisions. SEK 24 million will be invested in this area in the period until 2010.
Pilot and demonstration projects for second-generation biofuels Sweden has good potential to position itself as a leader in the work of developing second-generation biofuels. In all, a further SEK 150 million will be invested in this area over the three-year period.
Network for windfarming A national windfarming network will be created to promote more knowledge about wind power by strengthening existing initiatives and contributing to the establishment of new regional nodal points in the wind power area. SEK 20 million will be invested in this each year in 2008 and 2009.
Sustainable yield of bioenergy in agriculture and forestry Methods to achieve a sustainable yield of by-products from the forestry sector will be tested in pilot projects, in which the role of the forest as a carbon sink will also be studied. An action plan will be drawn up to increase bioenergy on forest and arable land. SEK 40 million will be invested in this in 2008 and 2009.
International climate investments Far-reaching climate measures in Sweden will be supplemented by international climate initiatives. These will contribute to sustainable development, transfer of environmental technology and stronger international climate cooperation. SEK 32 million will be invested each year, making a total of SEK 96 million.
Programme for sustainable cities and communities A sustainable cities programme will be developed. This investment will promote integrated solutions for water, energy and wastewater, conversion and new construction to produce buildings with minimal heating needs. It will also be part of introducing new technology that makes it possible to reduce the need of energy. These funds can be used to make it easier for companies and municipalities to substantially raise their environmental and climate performance by minimising resource and energy use. In all, SEK 340 million will be invested in 2009 and 2010. Contact Frank Nilsson Pressekreterare hos Anna-Karin Hatt Tomas Uddin Therese Nerlund +46 8 405 10 00
Press release 03 September 2007 Ministry of the Environment Scientific Council on Climate Issues, Environmental Advisory Council A Scientific Basis for Climate Policy "Very far-reaching limitations of greenhouse gas emissions are required to reduce the risk of dangerous climate impacts," says Professor Lisa Sennerby Forsse, Chair of the Government's Scientific Council on Climate Issues. The Council is submitting its report "A Scientific Basis for Climate Policy" today to Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren.
The Scientific Council on Climate Issues has had the task of providing scientific assessments as a basis for work on the climate policy bill that the Government intends to present in 2008. An important part of this task has been to provide supporting information and recommendations for objectives of Swedish climate policy at Download national, EU and international level. Executive Summary of the report from the Scientific The Council has had a broad interdisciplinary composition with representatives of natural sciences and social Basis for Climate Policy (pdf sciences to cover different aspects of the climate issue. 125 kB)
The Earth's climate has become warmer and this is due to human activity. The Council agrees with the overall assessments of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), regarding climate change and its consequences for ecosystems and society.
The Council considers that the two degree target set by the EU - a maximum long-term global temperature increase of 2 degrees Celsius - is a reasonable starting point for measures to reduce emissions, but that the possibility cannot be ruled out that lower temperature increases will have serious effects. This means that the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere needs to be stabilised at a level that is considerably lower than the level on which current climate policy is based. It follows from this that global emissions of greenhouse gases need to be at least halved by 2050 and then reduced to a level close to zero by the end of this century.
If Sweden is to take its share of the global responsibility for reaching the two degree target, our emissions should decrease by 20-25% by 2002 and 70-85% by 2050 (compared with emissions in 1990).
The Council considers that although assessments both of the costs of the damage caused by climate change and of the costs of measures to deal with emissions are uncertain, it is still possible to conclude that the costs are compatible with good economic development. The Council also discusses measures and policy instruments in climate policy.
The report is now being submitted to the Climate Committee (the all-party committee for climate policy review), which will make the political assessment balancing different social benefits and costs.
For further information, please contact the Chair and members of the Council:
Professor Lisa Sennerby Forsse Chair, tel. +46 18 67 10 00, +46 70 312 40 44
Professor Christian Azar Chalmers University of Technology, tel. +46 31 772 31 32
Professor Sten Bergström Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI), tel. +46 708 15 82 92
Professor Anders Biel Göteborg University, tel. +46 31 786 00 00
Professor Runar Brännlund Umeå University, tel. +46 90 786 62 70
Professor Katarina Eckerberg Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), tel. +46 8 674 71 72
Professor Thomas B Johansson Lund University, tel. +46 46 222 02 22
Professor Erland Källén Stockholm University, tel. +46 8 16 23 96
Professor Caroline Leck Stockholm University, tel. +46 8 16 43 54
Dr Elisabet Lindgren Centre for Transdisciplinary Environmental Research (CTM), tel. +46 70 717 75 53
Professor Markku Rummukainen Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI), tel. +46 11 495 86 05
Pernilla Knutsson Director, Environmental Advisory Council, tel. +46 8 405 21 33, +46 70 696 41 97
Anna Forsgren Desk Officer, Ministry of the Environment, tel. +46 8 405 36 30
Contact Professor Lisa Sennerby Forsse Chair +46 18 67 10 00 +46 70 312 40 44 Pernilla Knutsson Director +46 8 405 21 33 +46 70 696 41 97
Press release 14 June 2007 Ministry of the Environment The informal climate dialogue paves the way for a new climate regime The informal meeting on climate change in Riksgränsen, Sweden, attended by environment ministers and high representatives from 28 countries was concluded on Thursday 14 June.
Swedish Minister of the Environment Andreas Carlgren summarized the discussions in the Chairman's summary. He concluded that the discussions enabled the Ministers to have a clear picture of the positions of different countries in view of the important forthcoming UN-conference at Bali, Indonesia in December.
- We made important progress in the preparations for Bali, establishing a platform for negotiations, containing elements related to the process and the contents of a future regime. There was a broad consensus that the Bali conference should establish a Road Map with a timetable and concrete steps for the negotiations with a view to reach an agreement by 2009, says Mr Carlgren
- We came further in our discussions and achieved much more than I imagined that we would.
The purpose of the meeting in Riksgränsen was to allow Ministers to have informal and in depth discussions on international cooperative action on climate change. The discussions focused both on long term issues regarding principles and elements on a future climate change regime and concrete questions related to the preparations for the important meeting in Indonesia.
The minister discussed how the elements of a future international regime can be brought together. The ministers discussed a package that in particular would include: Adaptation measures, to be adopted by all countries, but in particular for poor and vulnerable developing countries; More ambitious and legally-binding emission reduction targets for all developed countries; Enhanced mitigation actions by developing countries; Further action on the deforestation issue; Managing unintended consequences of adaptation and mitigation policies; Technology development, diffusion and commercialization, in order to support mitigation, adaptation, and more generally, decarbonisation of our economies. Investment, incentives, financing, capacity-building, awareness and education.
The ministers especially emphasized that the issue of deforestation should be subject of urgent attention. Quantitative commitments by the industrialized countries would continue to be an essential element of the new regime. Developing countries would not be expected to take on such binding quantitative reduction commitments now, but there should be incentives for them to take measurable, reportable, and verifiable measures of different kinds, such as intensity goals or sectoral benchmarks. Ministers also recognized the vast potential of new and existing low-carbon technologies. Technology cooperation, mobilization of financial resources as well as development and strengthening of carbon markets are of primary importance in a future regime.
The Chairman's summary further underlined that the world needs an effective, fair and comprehensive multilateral regime based on concerted international efforts. Serious consideration should be given to yardsticks and goals to stabilize atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases and prevent dangerous interference with the climate system, including the goal of at least halving global emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050. Recently published reports, such as the Stern Review and the IPCC reports, have convincingly shown that it is possible to achieve the necessary emission reductions without compromising the prospects for economic and social development. All participants underlined the urgency of action. We all share the same fundamental goal: the climate system has to be protected for the benefit of present and future generations.
- We considered that it would be possible to agree on the main elements of a climate regime for the period after 2012. Bali would thus provide an excellent opportunity to advance the important climate negotiations in converting the present exploratory dialogue into a negotiation framework, says Mr Carlgren.
Ministers said that there is an urgent need for open and innovative political discussions on the future international cooperation on climate change. Argentina has offered to host the next informal meeting in 2008.
The meeting in Riksgränsen was the third of its kind. The first meeting was held in Greenland in 2005 and the second in South Africa in 2006.
Press release 08 June 2007 Ministry of the Environment Environment ministers to discuss climate agreement in Riksgränsen The world's environment minsters will discuss the content of a new climate agreement when they meet in Riksgränsen this week. Minsters from close to 30 key countries in the climate negotiations will take part.
"It will be an informal meeting where the world's environment ministers will be free to discuss in detail what we need to jointly agree on in order to meet climate objectives. It is positive that the countries will meet to speak freely about frameworks and the measures that are necessary in a future climate agreement," says Related Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren, who invited the environment ministers to the informal meeting. Read more about The midnight Sun Dialouge on Climate Change A discussion and background paper was presented ahead of the meeting. It sets out principles that may serve as guidelines and fundamental elements in a future climate regime.
"I hope that we can reach consensus on a vision for a future climate regime. We therefore need to discuss concrete ways of attaining sufficiently large emissions reductions. This includes development of emissions trading, technology transfer to developing countries and measures to combat deforestation."
"We couldn't have asked for a better prelude than the G8 meeting. This will now be the first occasion where the environment ministers meet after the G8 meeting, at which the bigger countries expressed considerably higher ambitions and stated that it is possible to combine substantial emissions reductions with economic and social development. These are important signals to convince developing countries and rapidly growing economies to join an agreement."
The G8 countries set out a timetable where a new climate agreement needs to be signed in autumn 2009. The environment ministers will meet in December at the UN Climate Conference in Bali.
The following countries have registered for the meeting in Riksgränsen: Australia, Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Pakistan, South Africa, Switzerland, Tuvalu, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Contact Tomas Uddin
Press release 05 June 2007 Ministry of the Environment Environment ministers from around the world gather for climate meeting in Riksgränsen Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren has invited environment ministers from countries all around the world to an informal meeting on climate issues on 11-14 June in Riksgränsen. The aim of the meeting is to lay the foundation for a new global climate agreement. Some 30 countries that are central to global climate negotiations have been invited.
The following countries have announced their intention to participate in the ministerial meeting: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Grenada, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Kenya, Pakistan, South Africa, Switzerland, Related Tuvalu, the United Kingdom and the United States. The environment ministers will arrive in Riksgränsen on Monday 11 June. On Tuesday and Wednesday there More detailed information for will be discussions on the state of the global climate negotiations and important components of a future editorial desks climate regime. The meeting will conclude on the morning of Thursday 14 June.
The ministers' informal climate discussions will be closed to the media and the general public.
There will be a press briefing in Stockholm at 10.30 on 8 June, to be held in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs Press Centre, Fredsgatan 4-6. Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren will talk about the background and expectations ahead of the meeting.
There will be a press briefing at Hotell Riksgränsen at 16.00 on 11 June. Mr Carlgren, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Climate Change Secretariat, Mr Yvo De Boer, and the Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Mr Rajendra K Pachauri, will take part.
A press conference is being arranged at 10.00 on 14 June at Hotell Riksgränsen. Media representatives will also be able to take part by video link to the press centre at Rosenbad in Stockholm. There will be an opportunity to ask individual questions via the video link. A number of ministers will take part in the press conference.
Further information will be released separately before the press meetings. Contacts for media representatives: Tomas Uddin, +46 70 9502245 and Eva Lindhé, +46 73 0553927.
Contact Tomas Uddin Eva Lindhé Head of Information +46 8 4053927 +46 73 0553927
Press release 30 March 2007 Ministry of the Environment The Government introduces green car rebate The Government is introducing a rebate of SEK 10 000 to private individuals who buy a new green car. The rebate scheme will be in effect from 1 April 2007 until 31 December 2009.
The Government is introducing a rebate of SEK 10 000 to private individuals who buy a new green car. The rebate scheme will be in effect from 1 April 2007 until 31 December 2009.
The Swedish Road Administration will be responsible for administering payment and verifying information with that registered in the Road Traffic Register.
"The rebate will encourage more people to buy fuel-efficient cars and cars that run on green fuels. We have worked for a construction that is simple for the consumer and where the rebate will be paid in connection with the purchase. People should feel the environmental benefits with their heart, but also see them in their wallet," says Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren.
The Government will allocate SEK 50 million in 2007, SEK 100 million in 2008 and SEK 100 million in 2009 for the rebate. This will be presented in the coming Spring Fiscal Policy Bill.
Cars that will be covered by the rebate are those that meet the requirements for green cars and have been registered in the Swedish Road Traffic Register. The term 'green car' is explained in the definition formulated by the Swedish Road Administration and which currently applies for public procurement of cars. The definition does not promote a specific technology or a certain type of fuel. It aims at stimulating reduced use of fossil fuels and reduced carbon dioxide emissions.
"Sweden is a large country, extending over vast distances. We need cars, but car use must not be allowed to destroy the climate. Sweden has a large number of fuel-guzzling vehicles compared with other European countries. The quickest way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions is for petrol and diesel cars to use less fuel, at the same time as there is an increase in the number of cars using green fuels," says Mr Carlgren.
A green car is defined as follows: Conventional cars: Petrol and diesel cars with carbon dioxide emissions that do not exceed 120 grams/km. Alternative fuel cars: Cars that can run on fuels other than petrol or diesel and with fuel consumption that does not exceed 0.92 litre petrol/10 km, 0.84 litre diesel/10 km or 0.97 cubic metre gas/10 km. Electric cars: A passenger car meeting environmental class Mk EL standards and with electric energy consumption that does not exceed 3.7 kilowatt hours/10 km.
Contact Tomas Uddin
Press release 07 March 2007 Prime Minister's Office Ministry of the Environment Members of the Government Commission on Sustainable Development Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt and Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren have announced the names of the members of the Government's Commission on Sustainable Development in connection with today's climate seminar.
Members Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, Chair Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren, Deputy Chair Minister for Finance Anders Borg Leif Johansson, CEO and President of Volvo Lars G Josefsson, CEO and President of Vattenfall Birgitta Nilsson, self-employed at Hållbar Idé Kajsa Lindståhl, Member of the Board of the Fourth AP Fund Annika Helker Lundström, CEO of the Swedish Recycling Industries' Association Professor Lisa Sennerby Forsse, Rector of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Chair of the Scientific Council on Climate Issues Professor Christian Azar, Chalmers University of Technology Lars Kristoferson, Secretary-General of WWF Katarina Veem, CEO of the Foundation for Baltic and East European Studies Professor Bengt Kriström, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
In addition, Commissioner Margot Wallström has been invited to take part in the Commission's work so as to represent the European perspective.
The Government is developing cooperation for climate initiatives between business, politics and research. The Commission will promote efforts across sectors, adopting an international perspective and taking into account ecological, social and economic aspects. Climate change will be the focus of the Commission's work.
Contact Roberta Alenius +46 8 405 10 00 Tomas Uddin
Press release 05 January 2007 Ministry of the Environment Andreas Carlgren to discuss the climate issue in USA and Canada Sweden's Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren will travel to Washington, D.C. and California next week to discuss international climate agreements and climate action. The visit is also intended to help create conditions for Swedish environmental technology exports and make use of opportunities for Swedish business to win new markets. The trip to North America will conclude in Canada.
In Washington, Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren will meet politicians to discuss what the United States sees as possible elements of an international agreement after the expiry of the Kyoto Protocol in 2012. The United States will have a significant influence on future global emissions reductions.
"One of the most important issues during this electoral period is to work actively internationally for substantial emissions reductions. So as not to lose time after current commitments, we need to reach a new agreement no later than Sweden's Presidency of the European Union in 2009. An improved understanding of climate policy developments in the United States is vital if we are to achieve results," says Mr Carlgren.
California is spearheading radical environmental action in the United States through its decision to reduce greenhouse gases by 25 per cent by 2020. Just as in Sweden, it is the transport sector that is the major source of emissions and the measures required to meet the target focus on the transition to a more environmentally friendly transport system.
The radical change that will be required in California is prompting great interest in renewable energy and bioenergy.
"Swedish companies are well to the fore in the bioenergy area, not least with regard to biogas as an alternative fuel for cars. Developments in California are an inspiring example showing that environmentally friendly transport does not need to be seen as a threat, not even in the home of the car culture. This offers great potential for businesses at the forefront. We have a good opportunity to prepare the way for Swedish companies to win new markets," says Mr Carlgren.
In June 2006 Sweden signed an agreement with California to cooperate on renewable fuels and energy. This formalisation of cooperation paves the way for Swedish environmental technology enterprises to develop their exports to California.
The Swedish delegation to California includes representatives of the Swedish Environmental Technology Council (SWENTEC), the Swedish Energy Agency and a number of companies, mainly biogas technology enterprises. Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren will speak at the seminars arranged on biogas and energy efficiency (Solutions for Sustainable Cities and Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Technologies - Biogas has arrived!).
The programme for the visit to Toronto and Ottawa features future climate work. Mr Carlgren hopes to discuss Canada's role in a future international climate agreement and shed light on how Sweden has worked on emissions reductions while continuing to enjoy high growth rates.
"Both Sweden and Canada have winters that demand a lot of energy for heating. We have a shared interest in a continuing rapid development of green technology so as to manage the ongoing switch from fossil to renewable fuels," Mr Carlgren observes.
Andreas Carlgren will be in Washington, D.C. on 8-10 January, California on 10-12 January and Canada on 13-16 January.
Contact Tomas Uddin Press contact during the trip:
Kristina Jonäng, Chief of Staff, Ministry of the Environment +46 70 867 16 21 (in the USA)
Anders Nyberg, Political Adviser, Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications, +46 70 359 43 49 (in Canada) 2006
Press release 08 November 2006 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Environment UN development report focuses on water issues Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson and Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren will take part when the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launches this year's Human Development Report.
Time and place Time: Thursday, 9 November 2006, at 11.00. Venue: Bella Venezia, Rosenbad
The UN report "Beyond scarcity: Power, poverty and the global water crisis" calls for a global action plan for water and sanitation issues. "It is positive that the UNDP has chosen to emphasise water and sanitation in this year's report. These are tremendously important areas that are often forgotten. The global water and sanitation crisis is an obstacle to economic progress in many developing countries," says Ms Carlsson. Currently, 1.1 billion people lack access to clean drinking water and 2.6 billion people lack access to wastewater and sanitation facilities. "The water issue is very important for environmentally, socially and economically sustainable development. Careful management of natural resources both in this country and around the world is therefore necessary in both the short and long term," says Mr Carlgren. ----- The 2006 Human Development Index will also be presented at the launch of the report. The Index describes the state of human development in the countries of the world.
Contact John Hillstierna Press Service +46 8 405 53 08 +46 70 681 67 79 Send email to John Hillstierna Johan Borgstam Coordinator for Gunilla Carlsson Telephone: +46 8 405 33 63 Tomas Uddin Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren Telephone: +46 8 405 22 69 Pia Larsson Desk Officer Department for Multilateral Development Cooperation Telephone: +46 8 405 56 61