2014
Press release 24 September 2014 Ministry of the Environment Fredrik Reinfeldt and Lena Ek discuss the climate issue with world leaders On Tuesday 23 September, Minister for the Environment Lena Ek and Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt are taking part in the UN Climate Summit in New York. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has invited world leaders from governments, the private sector and civil society to make concerted efforts for the climate and contribute to increased measures to tackle global warming.
In Paris in 2015, the countries of the world are due to reach a new agreement to manage climate change and keep the global rise in temperature below two degrees. Participation, ownership and political commitment on the part of all countries will be necessary to bring about an agreement that covers the majority of the world's Related emissions. In bringing together over 120 heads of state and government, the Secretary-General hopes that the Climate Summit will generate major political support for an ambitious, dynamic and legally binding agreement Read more (in Swedish) about for all countries in Paris in just over a year's time. the Climate Summit on the Government website: "Several new partnerships and initiatives will be presented at the Climate Summit in areas such as agriculture, forestry, energy, cities and short-lived climate pollutants. The aim is to use these initiatives to engage a host of different actors and to encourage the kind of development and transition of society that takes greater External links consideration of both emission reductions and adaptation to the effects of climate change. For several years now, Sweden has been a driving force in work on short-lived climate pollutants and has already given its Report: New climate economy support to a declaration from the World Bank entitled Putting a Price on Carbon," says Ms Ek. The Climate Summit is taking place in New York on 23 September 2014. Sweden is initiative-taker for a global cooperation project - 'New Climate Economy' - which will be presented at the Climate Summit. The project report shows how measures to reduce climate impact can be combined with different countries' ambitions in terms of economic growth, poverty reduction and social development.
Contact Mattias Johansson Head of Planning +46 8 405 10 00 email to Mattias Johansson, via the Senior registry clerk Julia Hector Desk Officer +46 72 560 72 86 Press release 18 July 2014 Ministry of the Environment Sweden urges the European Commission to implement the fuel quality directive Sweden calls on the EU commission to fully implement the last part of the EU's climate package, now three and a half years overdue. The commission's tardiness on its full implementation of the fuel quality directive risks opening Europe to dirty, unconventional fossils and puts Europe's climate goals at risk.
The EU commission's inability to agree on a proposal on the implementation measures for Art 7a of the fuel quality directive, now three and half years overdue, risks opening Europe to large scale imports of unconventional fossil fuels like tar sands. The fuel quality directive is less known than the other parts of the EU's climate package from 2009, but with its legal obligation to reduce the carbon footprint from transport fuels by 6 per cent by 2020 it is of importance for EU's climate goals.
After a previous failed attempt a new proposal for implementing measures is under discussion in the commission. It is crucial that the commission lives up to its previous promises and deliver the new proposal before the end of its term.
- This is a question of Barroso's legacy as president of the commission; will his Commission deliver on his promises of achieving a resource efficient economy? says Sweden's minister for the environment Lena Ek.
- It is a basic principle that each fuel must pay for its own environmental impact. It is unacceptable that we should apply this to alternative fuels but let the fossils off the hook, says Lena Ek.
The difference between different fossil fuels can according to the EU Commission be as much as approximately 25 per cent higher from unconventional fossil fuels like tar sands (107 grams CO2/km) than from conventional (93 grams CO2/km)
- If a transport fuel is better for the environment, there must be clear incentives to use low rather than high carbon fuels, says Lena Ek.
Contact Emma Lindberg 072-5332062 Press release 11 June 2014 Ministry of the Environment OECD: Sweden a leader in environmental policy Sweden is on the front line in action for the environment and climate. This is confirmed by the OECD in its review of Swedish environmental policy in 2004-2012.
Webcast Related OECD environmental performance review of Sweden Watch the webcast of the launching of the OECD review and read more about the The OECD regularly reviews countries' environmental policies, evaluates the results and presents OECD review recommendations for improvements. In its latest review, presented in Stockholm today, the OECD praises Sweden's work on green taxes and its success in combining emissions reductions with economic growth. The OECD also describes Sweden as a leader on climate issues in an international perspective and a pioneer in introducing financial policy instruments to improve the climate and the environment. External links OECD Environmental "It's pleasing that the OECD confirms Sweden's strong position in the environmental field and that we continue performance review of to be a leader in many areas of environmental policy. It's also valuable to read the OECD's recommendations Sweden: Assessment and on how we can work even more effectively to achieve our ambitious environmental policy objectives. We recommendations have begun work on making Sweden's unique environmental quality objectives more specific, but we are aware that further action is needed. So we will benefit greatly from the OECD's work," says Minister for the Environment Lena Ek.
World class climate policy Sweden's emissions of greenhouse gases have decreased by 23 per cent since 1990, with particularly sharp reductions since the mid-2000s. The renewable energy target for 2020 has already been passed. The OECD notes that Sweden is aiming to retain its leading role through ambitious and long-term objectives on zero net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050 and a fossil-free vehicle fleet by 2030. The OECD recommends phasing out exemptions from energy and carbon dioxide taxes and doing more to increase cooperation in Swedish climate policy. The Government shares the OECD's view and has appointed an inquiry on a well- defined roadmap for reaching the 2050 objective. It has also set a checkpoint for climate policy in 2015 and taken part in the initiative to launch the global project New Climate Economy, the aim of which is to show the economic benefits of climate action.
Apart from the praise for and recommendations on climate policy, the OECD presents around twenty other recommendations for continued environmental efforts. To achieve Sweden's other national and international commitments, taxes and subsidies in the transport sector need to be evaluated, marine protected areas need to be expanded and work on the environmental objectives needs to be reviewed.
Unique environmental objectives The OECD observes that the Swedish environmental objectives system, with its generational goal, several milestone targets and sixteen environmental quality objectives describing the desired state of Sweden's environment, is unique. The environmental objectives are a substantial commitment to achieve sustainable development, involving the whole of society. In the OECD's view, the actors in the system need to be better mobilised and more resources must be allocated in order to achieve the objectives. Over the past year, the Government has adopted new strategies, milestone targets and concrete measures to achieve the objectives. The responsibilities of 25 government agencies concerning the environmental objectives have been clarified in instructions and the Government will soon be appointing a national coordinator to put a special focus on the role of the business sector in the work on the environmental objectives.
Previous review in 2004 The OECD regularly reviews the environmental policies of its member countries. Sweden was last reviewed in 2004. On that occasion, particular emphasis was given to Sweden's work on a green tax shift and its cohesive environmental legislation. At the same time, the OECD presented 44 recommendations for more effective environmental policy and for achieving the environmental objectives.
"As noted by the OECD, Sweden is a pioneer in green taxes, which have enabled us to successfully combine emissions reductions with economic growth. We welcome the OECD's recommendations to develop financial policy instruments in other areas as well," says Ms Ek. What has the Government done for the environment between 2010 and 2014? Reduced discharges of nutrients to the Baltic Sea, reduced national greenhouse gas emissions and bans on harmful chemicals are some of the results of Swedish environmental policy over the last few years. The Government's overall environment policy during the latest electoral period is summarised in the brochure Miljöpolitiken 2010-2014: Insatser och resultat ('Environmental policy 2010-2014: action and results') from the Ministry of the Environment (available in Swedish only).
Environmental policy during the 2010-2014 electoral period (Swedish only) Information material: Miljöpolitiken 2010-2014: Insatser och resultat ('Environmental policy 2010-2014: action and results'; Swedish only) The Ministry of the Environment's publication Kronologi över viktiga miljöhändelser i Sverige, mars 2004- mars 2014 ('Chronology of important environmental events in Sweden, March 2004-March 2014') lists the most important government decisions and environmental events during the entire period reviewed by the OECD.
Information material: Kronologi över viktiga miljöhändelser i Sverige, mars 2004-mars 2014 ('Chronology of important environmental events in Sweden, March 2004-March 2014'; Swedish only)
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Ingrid Hasselsten Deputy Director +46 70 275 33 00 Press release 10 June 2014 Ministry of the Environment Press Invitation: Global Commission on the Economy and Climate to hold meetings in Stockholm June 26-27 Members of the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate and its Commissioning Countries will meet to finalize the report and discuss how to carry out its messages in Stockholm.
Journalists who wish to participate in any part of the meeting and/or interview any of the Commissioners/Ministers must notify their participation in advance. External links Read more: New Climate Who Economy Read more: Stockholm Ingrid Bonde, CFO, Vattenfall Environment Institute Felipe Calderón, Chair, The Global Commission on the Economy and Climate and former president of Mexico Lena Ek, Minister for the Environment, Sweden Peter Norman, Minister for Financial Markets, Sweden Jeremy Oppenheim, Programme Director of the New Climate Economy Lord Nicholas Stern, Chair, Economic Advisory Council to the Global Commission on Economy and Climate and IG Patel Professor of Economics and Government, London School of Economics
Where 26-27 June in Stockholm, Sweden Thursday 26 June 13.00-16.00: Nordic Business Leaders Seminar including reception. The Auditorium, Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications, Mäster Samuelsgatan 70, Stockholm City Centre. See enclosed programme. The Swedish Ministers attending the seminar are Lena Ek and Peter Norman. Interview availability for spokespeople on Thursday 26 and Friday 27. Please contact Hanna Björnfors, see contact details.
About The New Climate Economy (NCE) is the flagship project of the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate, a major new international initiative to analyse and communicate the economic risks and opportunities that arise from climate change. The Commission comprises former heads of government, finance ministers and leaders in the fields of economics, business and finance and is chaired by former Mexican President Felipe Calderón.
The New Climate Economy project will report in September 2014 in advance of the United Nations Secretary General's Climate Summit. It will make recommendations to government, business and financial leaders on how stronger economic growth can be combined with tackling climate risk.
The project is being conducted by a partnership of leading research institutions based in the China, Ethiopia, India, South Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States. Its work will be overseen by an advisory panel of world-leading economists chaired by Lord Nicholas Stern and including the Nobel Laureates Daniel Kahneman and Michael Spence. It was commissioned by a group of seven countries - Colombia, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Korea, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
New Climate Economy research in Sweden The Stockholm Environment Institute is one of the core eight research institutes of the New Climate Economy project. Stockholm Environment Institute leads the work on energy systems and contributes to the analyses of air pollution and sustainable cities. The aim of the research conducted for the project is to help decision makers understand how they can meet their core economic and social objectives, while also taking action on climate change.
Felipe Calderón Felipe Calderón was President of Mexico from 2006 to 2012. Among other achievement his government pushed through structural reforms to modernize the Mexican economy in key areas, such as public pensions, tax, the energy sector and universal healthcare. During his period in office Mexico positioned itself as a global leader in fighting climate change: President Calderón presided over the successful UN climate conference in Cancun in 2010 and saw the passing of a comprehensive Climate Change Act in 2012. Felipe Calderón is current Honorary Chairman of the Green Growth Action Alliance, as well as President of the Sustainable Human Development Foundation and a Member of the Board of Directors of the World Resources Institute.
Lord Nicholas Stern Lord Nicholas Stern is IG Patel Professor of Economics and Government, Chair of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment and Chair of the Asia Research Centre at the London School of Economics (LSE). A former Chief Economist of both the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, his research and publications have focused on the economics of climate change, economic development and growth, economic theory, tax reform, public policy and the role of the state and economies in transition. He is best known for leading the Stern Review on the economics of climate change which reported in 2006. He is President of the British Academy and a member of the House of Lords.
Jeremy Oppenheim Jeremy Oppenheim is Programme Director for the New Climate Economy project. He has taken a sabbatical from his role as a Director of McKinsey & Company to lead this project. For the last five years, Jeremy Oppenheim has led McKinsey's Sustainability and Resource Productivity Practice. In this role he has worked with a wide range of private, public, and social sector clients in many different countries. Prior to joining McKinsey in 1993, Jeremy Oppenheim was a senior economist at the World Bank and is lead author of Resource Revolution: Meeting the World's Energy, Materials, Food and Water Needs (MGI, 2011).
Other members of government and the Global Commission attending the meeting Carl Bildt, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sweden Sharan Burrow, General Secretary, International Trade Union Confederation Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Managing Director, World Bank Group Per Klevnäs, Project Leader, Stockholm Environment Institute Trevor Manuel, Minister in the Presidency for the National Planning Commission, Government of South Africa Paul Polman, Chief Executive Officer, Unilever
Contact Hanna Björnfors Communications Officer, Ministry of the Environment Direct: 0046 84 05 30 40 Mobile: 0046 725 00 92 11 hanna.bjornfors[at]gov.se Felipe Benítez Communications Director, Global Commission on the Economy and Climate Mobile: 001 202 215 9664 Felipe.benitez[at]newclimateeconomy.net Press release 09 June 2014 Ministry of the Environment Reminder - Press briefing in connection with the presentation of the OECD review of Sweden's environmental policy On 11 June, the results of the OECD review of Sweden's environmental policy for 2004-2012 will be presented at a seminar. In connection with this, the media are invited to a press briefing with Minister for the Environment Lena Ek and Director of the OECD Environment Directorate Simon Upton.
Time and place Related Time: Wednesday 11 June at 11.40 OECD environmental Place: Press Centre, Rosenbad, Stockholm performance review of Media wishing to attend the seminar are kindly requested to send notification to: Sweden 2004-2012 [email protected] No prior notice is required for the press briefing.
Webcast
The results of the review will be presented and discussed with Director of the OECD Environment Directorate Simon Upton, Minister for the Environment Lena Ek and representatives of the business sector, the research community and environmental organisations at a seminar at Rosenbad Conference Centre at 10.00-11.30.
The OECD regularly reviews the environmental policies of its member countries. In its review, the OECD focuses on green growth, climate and marine ecosystem services. The OECD highlights what Sweden does well and the challenges it faces. In addition, a number of recommendations are given on how Sweden can further develop its environmental efforts.
The seminar and press conference will be held in English.
Please bring your press credentials
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Press release 05 June 2014 Ministry of the Environment Press briefing in connection with the presentation of the OECD review of Sweden's environmental policy On 11 June, the results of the OECD review of Sweden's environmental policy for 2004-2012 will be presented at a seminar. In connection with this, the media are invited to a press briefing with Minister for the Environment Lena Ek and Director of the OECD Environment Directorate Simon Upton.
Time and place Related Time: Wednesday 11 June at 11.40 OECD environmental Place: Press Centre, Rosenbad, Stockholm performance review of Sweden 2004-2012 Media wishing to attend the seminar are kindly requested to send notification to: [email protected] No prior notice is required for the press briefing.
The results of the review will be presented and discussed with Director of the OECD Environment Directorate Simon Upton, Minister for the Environment Lena Ek and representatives of the business sector, the research community and environmental organisations at a seminar at Rosenbad Conference Centre at 10.00-11.30.
The OECD regularly reviews the environmental policies of its member countries. In its review, the OECD focuses on green growth, climate and marine ecosystem services. The OECD highlights what Sweden does well and the challenges it faces. In addition, a number of recommendations are given on how Sweden can further develop its environmental efforts.
The seminar and press conference will be held in English.
Please bring your press credentials Press release 23 May 2014 Ministry of the Environment Prime Minister's Office Sweden intends to take legal action against the European Commission The European Commission has disregarded its responsibility to adopt scientific criteria on endocrine disruptors. The speedy adoption of such criteria is crucial if the EU's biocidal products regulation and other regulations in the chemicals area are to ensure a high level of protection for human health and the environment. Without these criteria, it is very difficult to begin the phasing out of endocrine disruptors in these types of products.
"It is a serious matter, not least with regard to the protection of young children, that the Commission is delaying this important process. I am also concerned that the Commission does not make a clear distinction between what science says about the intrinsic characteristics of these substances and the consequences of a Related substance being identified as an endocrine disruptor. The Swedish Government therefore decided to submit a formal application to institute legal action against the European Commission," says Minister for the Chemicals policy Environment Lena Ek.
Endocrine disruptors are substances that disrupt the body's endocrine system. They can imitate the body's own hormones or disrupt the system that ensures that hormones are transported to the correct cells. The endocrine system is sensitive and very complex. Disturbances in the endocrine system can cause serious illnesses or injuries, such as the development of certain forms of cancer (breast cancer, prostate cancer and testicular cancer), earlier onset of puberty, malformed genitalia, impaired sperm production, obesity, diabetes and behavioural disorders (ADHD). It has been possible to establish that these diseases and injuries have increased in recent years and that the increase cannot be explained by genetic factors alone.
"For the first time, the Government is using the Court of Justice of the European Union to hurry up the Commission, which has deliberately dragged its heels. Member States must have the right to prohibit certain endocrine disruptors that affect people's health and involve risks to the environment. We must put our foot down and put pressure on the Commission. Science and health must be paramount," says Minister for EU Affairs Birgitta Olsson.
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Linnea Hincks Press Secretary to Birgitta Ohlsson +46 8 405 11 63 +46 70 308 44 06 email to Linnea Hincks Press release 14 March 2014 Ministry of the Environment This is how the Government hopes to secure the values of ecosystems - for the benefit of welfare and business People depend on ecosystem services such as clean air and water. These values are not listed on balance sheets. The Government wants to give visibility to and include the value of ecosystem services in community planning and business development in the Government Bill 'A Swedish strategy for biodiversity and ecosystem services'. The last time the Government presented a biodiversity bill was in 1993.
The Bill presents the work on strengthening biodiversity and securing ecosystem services such as water purification, production of food and fibres, as well as recreation and outdoor activities. Related "With this long-term platform, the Government is steering the work in the right direction and is securing both Sweden's Environmental the economic and the invaluable values of biodiversity and ecosystem services, such as pollination, water Quality Objectives - Milestone purification, food production and recreation," says Minister for the Environment Lena Ek. targets
The Government wants to make it easier for companies to assess how much they depend on ecosystem services and make it easier for investors to get information about a company's full value. Business opportunities that are directly linked to ecosystem services are found, for example, in agriculture, forestry, External links the pharmaceutical industry, fishing and tourism. Link to webcast (in swedish)
Increased protection of land and water The Bill takes a comprehensive approach to a wide range of issues such as the protection of land and the sea, measures for endangered plant and animal species, increased environmental consideration in land and water use, to increased cooperation with industry. The Bill contains measures to enable Sweden to be a key player in the EU and globally. The Government has decided on targets to protect and preserve at least 20 per cent of land areas and 10 per cent of marine areas by 2020 to help achieve environmental quality objectives and EU and international biodiversity targets.
"Expanded and enhanced cooperation with industry, landowners and non-profit organisations is a key to a successful work for strengthened biodiversity. This also requires continued efforts to protect Swedish forests, wetlands, seas and freshwater," says Ms Ek.
Improved environmental consideration and dialogue On 27 February, the Government established five new national milestone targets for biodiversity and ecosystem services. Together with five previously approved milestone targets, they direct action towards the changes in society that are needed in order to achieve the national environmental quality objectives. In the Bill, the Government describes the work towards achieving the biodiversity targets. Environmental consideration in forestry is central because the forest landscape is the most dominant landscape in Sweden and contains a significant part of the country's biodiversity. A national forestry programme on the economic, social and environmental values of forests is one of the initiatives.
"Dialogue and cooperation with all forest stakeholders is one of the most successful ways to clarify and develop the environmental considerations involved in securing the various functions of forests," says Ms Ek.
Appointment of national coordinator The Bill presents measures for better integration of ecosystem services into economic decision-making, policy considerations and other decisions in society. For example, ecosystem services need to be included in environmental accounting, planning by public authorities, decisions on land use, the design of economic instruments and in collaboration with industry to develop business models, innovations and standards. To strengthen this work, the Government intends to appoint a national coordinator for ecosystem services. The coordinator will enhance skills and increase the knowledge base on biodiversity and ecosystem services in industry, municipalities and other public authorities.
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Michael Löfroth Deputy Director +46 70 392 10 46 Press release 27 February 2014 Ministry of the Environment The Government is enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem services through five new milestone targets Today the Government adopted new milestone targets within the environmental objective system in order to enhance biodiversity and vital ecosystem services by 2020. These milestone targets define steps along the way to achieving Sweden's environmental quality objectives, as well as EU biodiversity strategy targets and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, adopted in Nagoya in 2010 under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
The new milestone targets cover the following five areas: a holistic approach to the use of land; the protection of land areas, freshwater areas and marine areas; environmental consideration in forestry; varied forestry; and a dialogue process in a national forestry programme. Related Sweden's Environmental "I am delighted that Sweden is ambitiously implementing the UN interim target adopted in Nagoya in 2010 Quality Objectives - Milestone through our decision to protect and conserve at least 20 per cent of our land areas and 10 per cent of our targets marine areas by 2020 to help achieve the national and international biodiversity targets. Through these milestone targets we affirm both the voluntary and formal forms of protection, as well as environmental considerations in the use of forest and water areas. We are now formalising a new way of working that is characterised by transparency and dialogue," says Minister for the Environment Lena Ek.
"The milestone targets contribute to ecosystem services that are vital for safeguarding business and jobs throughout the country in the long term, not least within forestry and agriculture," concludes Ms Ek.
The milestone targets are essential for securing ecosystem services such as access to timber, crop pollination or the capacity of seas and lakes to produce fish.
Sweden currently has several forms of formal protection of land and fresh water areas, covering over 6.1 million hectares. To achieve the milestone target concerning protection, the formal protection of forest land will be increased by around 150 000 hectares, and the successful voluntary participation of landowners in protection should increase protected areas by about 200 000 hectares, from the current total of just over a million hectares, by the year 2020.
The protection of marine environments is prioritised and will increase by at least 570 000 hectares. The area of wetlands protected will increase by around 210 000 hectares, while that of lake and watercourses will increase by 12 000 hectares by 2020. Together with environmentally sound usage and other effective area- based protective measures, this protection will take place in areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services and in ecologically representative and well-connected systems in the landscape. The milestone target on a dialogue process in a national forestry programme means that an open dialogue with stakeholders involved in forests will have been established no later than 1 July 2015 in order to advance sustainability and a bio-based economy.
Background Sweden has 16 environmental quality objectives. To hasten the rate of implementation, the Government is now adopting milestone targets in each environmental area. Five milestone targets have already been established for biodiversity and ecosystem services. They affect measures aimed at achieving favourable conservation status for threatened species, reducing problems associated with invasive non-indigenous species, capturing the value of biodiversity and ecosystem services, and mapping genetic diversity. The new milestone targets objectify the social transformation that must take place in order to achieve Sweden's environmental quality objectives, EU targets and UN targets from the Conference of the Parties meeting Nagoya in 2010. These decisions satisfy the proposals from the Cross-Party Committee on Environmental Objectives on long-term sustainable land use.
The great variety of plants, animals and microorganisms is essential for humans. The combination of life forms and the interplay between them give rise to goods and services that are absolutely vital to the functioning of our societies, our economies and our daily lives. A certain share of natural habitats and biodiversity must be secured to ensure that ecosystems are able to deliver what society needs.
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Michael Löfroth Deputy Director +46 8 405 10 46 2013
Press release 02 December 2013 Ministry of the Environment Government adopts future chemicals policy Government adopted the bill 'Towards a toxic-free everyday environment - a platform for chemicals policy'. The bill describes the Government's strategy to achieve the environmental quality objective A non-toxic environment. Proposals include measures to reduce the chemical risks to children's health, applying and reinforcing existing chemicals regulations and giving greater consideration to the environment in the development of pharmaceutical products.
"With this bill we are establishing the direction of chemicals policy in the coming years and the measures necessary to achieve the environmental quality objective of a non-toxic environment. The pace of phasing out particularly dangerous substances has to increase and we need to streamline our efforts and work on groups of Related substances. We can start this work by drawing up an action plan for dealing with perfluorinated substances. Application of the product choice principle needs to be strengthened and endocrine disrupters need to be Read more about the regulated. New EU rules also need to be drawn up, such as for dangerous substances in textiles," says Minister Government's chemicals for the Environment Lena Ek. policy on the government website (in swedish) Chemicals policy Sweden will work to ensure more stringent information requirements for low volume substances in the REACH regulation. Priority is given to work to develop assessment criteria and test methods for nanomaterials, endocrine disrupters and combination effects of chemicals, as well as to work on test methods and assessment criteria that take account of children's varying degrees of sensitivity.
Information about dangerous substances in goods needs to be improved to enable safe handling and informed choices by consumers. Research that is helping to achieve the environmental quality objective of A non-toxic environment should be strengthened and national systematic health-related environmental monitoring should be given greater priority. Policy instruments, such as financial policy instruments in the form of a chemicals tax, need to be considered. Measures at global level remain a high priority and strategic national measures are an important complement to work at EU level.
Background The eight milestone targets previously established for dangerous substances cover: particularly dangerous substances knowledge of the health and environmental profiles of chemical substances information about dangerous substances in products development and application of the EU's chemical rules more effective chemicals supervision in the EU non-toxic and resource-efficient ecocycles reducing children's exposure to dangerous chemicals greater environmental consideration in EU pharmaceuticals legislation and internationally
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Monica Törnlund Deputy Director +46 8 405 86 85 Press release 06 November 2013 Ministry of the Environment Government wants to see more respect for the environment when pharmaceuticals are developed and produced The environmental impact of a pharmaceutical product must be well researched and taken into account when the benefits are weighed against the risks in the approval procedure. Pharmaceuticals production outside the EU must meet high environmental standards. The Government established these points today in its decision on a new milestone target under the environmental quality objective 'A Non-Toxic Environment' on increased respect for the environment in EU and international pharmaceuticals legislation.
"The Government is working purposefully to minimise exposure to hazardous substances. The action plan for a toxin-free everyday environment is an important tool here and in this connection we must now also remember that emissions of pharmaceutical residues contribute to total exposure and so need to decrease. The Government and Swedish government agencies will therefore assume a leading role in tackling the problems at source," says Minister for the Environment Lena Ek.
Pharmaceuticals are a fundamental part of health care and directly benefit patients. When we secrete pharmaceutical residues, they spread to water via wastewater purification plants. Apart from contributing to a risky 'chemical cocktail' in the water, in several cases they have also proved directly harmful to animal life. For example, some pharmaceuticals can affect the reproductive capacity of fish and amphibians. In the longer term, public health could also be threatened if the water we drink and the fish we eat were to be further polluted.
Rules on the approval and production of pharmaceuticals are harmonised in the EU and internationally. The milestone target therefore aims to change these rules so that they give greater weight to environmental aspects. In Sweden, many different actors have worked on a voluntary basis to spread knowledge about the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals and to develop tools for environmentally aware choices. World-leading research is also being conducted in this area in the MistraPharma project.
"The decision on the new milestone target should be seen as confirmation that national measures to reduce the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals are also essential to achieve the environmental quality objective 'A Non-Toxic Environment'," says Ms Ek.
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Press release 11 October 2013 Ministry of the Environment Global agreement to phase out use and emissions of mercury Yesterday Sweden signed the new Minamata Convention on Mercury at a ceremony in Kumamoto, Japan. Around 100 countries signed the Convention at the same time as Sweden.
The Convention has been negotiated within the framework of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The negotiations began in 2009 and the fifth and final round took place in January this year. The purpose of the new global environmental agreement is to protect human health and the environment from Related mercury. The Convention covers the entire life cycle of mercury, from primary mining to waste and final disposal. The agreement also restricts the supply of and trade in mercury, including a ban on primary mining. Action to reduce mercury emissions The importance of health aspects related to environmental pollutants is reflected in the text by a separate article on health aspects. External links "I am very pleased that so many countries signed the new Convention on Mercury," says Minister for the Read about the mercury Environment Lena Ek. "This is a historic day for global environmental efforts. The Convention, which will be convention on the UNEP an important instrument in our endeavour to phase out mercury use and emissions, is the first in the area of website: chemicals and waste for ten years."
The agreement also breaks new ground in that, for the first time, a mechanism has been introduced in the text of the Convention for supervising the implementation of the Convention.
The day before the signing ceremony, ministers and delegates visited the fishing village of Minamata, where it was discovered in the 1950s that residents had been exposed to mercury poisoning for many years through the fish they ate, resulting in severe neurological disorders. The mercury came from industrial wastewater discharged for decades into Minamata Bay.
Sweden has played an active role in the negotiations that have led to the Minamata Convention, both within the EU and globally, and has held several important roles in the negotiations, as a member of the Bureau of the International Negotiating Committee and as one of two co-chairs of the contact group on financing. Sweden has also assisted EU president Lithuania ahead of and during the meeting in Kumamoto.
Sweden, together with the other Nordic countries, was among the countries most actively driving efforts to bring about a negotiation process for a new convention. The first negotiating session was held in Stockholm in 2010 and Sweden and the Nordic Council of Ministers have been among the largest donors to the negotiation process.
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Press release 27 September 2013 Ministry of the Environment IPPC shows 2 degree Celsius limit still possible Today the world's eyes are on Sweden as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC) presents its new report on climate change for policymakers. A total of 252 delegates from 110 countries have spent a week summarising the extensive research of recent years.
In the report, the IPCC establishes that it is 95 per cent likely that human influence is the dominant cause of climate change. Human activities have contributed to warming of the atmosphere and oceans, reductions in snow and ice, rising sea levels and changes in some extreme weather events. External links Summary of the IPCC Fifth "The IPCC has shown that it is possible to remain within the critical 2 degree Celsius limit but that it is urgent Assessment Report in English: that we climate-proof and develop our societies around the world. Today's emission levels exceed what our planet can tolerate. Not reducing the world's greenhouse gas emissions will have catastrophic consequences that will result in continued global warming, rising sea levels and irreparable damage to our societies," says Minister for the Environment Lena Ek.
The IPCC observes that more than half of the emissions capacity to ensure a 66 per cent likelihood of remaining within the 2 degree limit has probably already been used. Even if carbon dioxide emissions were to stop, most aspects of climate change will persist for centuries.
"Sweden has actively participated in international initiatives to stimulate global climate adaptation. The New Climate Economy project, launched on Tuesday, gathers economic experts and researchers from around the globe to examine the positive effects on growth and jobs provided by development towards sustainable production," says Ms Ek.
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Press release 26 September 2013 Ministry of the Environment Lena Ek, Martin Lidegaard, Danish Minister for Climate, Energy and Building, and Rajendra Pachauri, Chairman of the UN's IPCC, to comment on the UN climate report at a press conference In connection with the presentation of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) interim report, environment ministers and other representatives of the Nordic governments will meet in Stockholm for a dialogue with the Nordic business sector and lead IPCC authors. The media are invited to a press conference in connection with this.
Time and place External links Time: Friday 27 September at 12.45 About the IPCC meeting on Place: Press Centre, Rosenbad the Swedish EPA website
Webcast The press conference will be webcast
Discussion topics at the dialogue will include the implications of climate research and how policies and the business sector can be developed so as to realise the positive effects of climate measures.
Chairman of the UN's IPCC Rajendra Pachauri will take part in the opening of the press conference, and Minister for the Environment Lena Ek and Danish Minister for Climate, Energy and Building Martin Lidegaard will be available for comments.
Please bring your press credentials
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Press release 23 September 2013 Ministry of the Environment Sweden's environmental policy reviewed by OECD Today, 23 September, the OECD begins its week-long review of Sweden's environmental policy here in Stockholm. It is the third review of Sweden's environmental policy to date. Earlier this year, two representatives of the OECD Secretariat met with Minister for the Environment Lena Ek and officials from the Government Offices to get an initial picture of Sweden's environmental efforts.
In the spring, the Ministry of the Environment prepared comprehensive documentation ahead of the review in collaboration with other relevant ministries and agencies. This documentation answers a large number of questions from the OECD and includes a report on how Sweden has managed the recommendations it received Related in the previous OECD review in 2004. The Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management has produced a special report on marine ecosystem services, which is an in-depth theme of the review. OECD evironmental performance review of Sweden "The review is an opportunity to receive the qualified support of the OECD's experts in developing our environmental work. At the same time, we have the opportunity of showcasing our successes and sharing our experiences and practices as inspiration to other countries," says Minister for the Environment Lena Ek.
Now, over the course of a week, a review team of nine experts from the OECD will ask in-depth questions and discuss this documentation with the Minister for the Environment and relevant officials at the Government Offices and government agencies, as well as with environmental organisations, the business sector, trade unions and independent experts.
OECD Working Party on Environmental Performance will discuss the Sweden Environmental Performance Review in spring 2014.
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Press release 23 September 2013 Ministry of the Environment Minister for the Environment Lena Ek to participate in IPCC week The UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is to meet in Stockholm on 23-27 September to prepare and present new conclusions on climate change and its scientific basis. Minister for the Environment Lena Ek will take part in several activities during the week.
Ms Ek's programme: Opening address at the IPCC opening ceremony External links (accredited media representatives are welcome to attend) Read more about the the IPCC Time: Monday 23 September, 10.00-11.00 week on the Swedish Place: Münchenbryggeriet, Torkel Knutssonsgatan 2, Stockholm Environmental Protection Agency website Climate discussions with researchers and children aged 10-13 Time: Thursday 26 September, 14.00-15.00 Place: Kulturhuset, Stockholm
Dialogue with business sector representatives and the Nordic environment ministers: What does the UN climate report mean for politics and business?
Time: Friday 27 September, 13.00-15.00 Place: Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts, Fredsgatan 12, Stockholm
Speech at a scientific symposium in memory of Professor Bert Bolin (Media representatives who are interested in attending should notify [email protected]) Time: Friday 27 December, 16.00 Place: Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Lilla Frescativägen 4A, Stockholm
The media are welcome to attend the events. Please bring your press credentials.
Read more about the the IPCC week on the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency website: http://www.naturvardsverket.se/IPCC/
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Press release 13 September 2013 Ministry of the Environment Government presents predator bill to Riksdag The Government today decided to present the Government Bill A sustainable predator policy (Govt Bill 2012/13:191) to the Riksdag.
"Today's decision is another step in driving predator policy forward and making it long-term. The Government is now signalling that the overarching long-term objective of predator policy is for wolves, bears, wolverines, lynx and golden eagles in Sweden to achieve and maintain a favourable conservation status, without hampering domestic animal husbandry, and taking account of socio-economic considerations. It is my hope that the Bill will lay the foundations for greater consensus on the issue of predators and their management," says Minister for the Environment Lena Ek.
The Bill proposes reference values for population sizes and range areas for large predators, and tolerance levels for damage to reindeer caused by large predators. In addition, the Government also presents its assessment of predator management, further delegation of protective and licensed hunting, assignments to analyse how predator attacks affect the overall economy of rural businesses, the concept of minimum levels, management plans, a management tool for damage in reindeer husbandry and international cooperation.
"In modern times, Sweden has never had such large predator populations as today and we have been successful in protecting our predators. In the Bill, we lay out a policy that allows for the proper management of large predators, striking a good balance between the objective of favourable conservation status and showing consideration to the people who live and work in areas with high predator populations," says Ms Ek.
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Magnus Bergström Desk Officer +46 8 405 28 47 Press release 26 August 2013 Ministry of the Environment Wolf Inquiry's final report submitted to Lena Ek The National Committee of Inquiry for a sustainable predator policy for wolves (Wolf Inquiry) today submitted its report "Measures for coexistence between people and wolves" to the Government.
- The Government appointed the Inquiry to create a meeting place for organisations representing interests that are affected, sometimes in widely divergent ways, by the presence of predators, particularly wolves, in the country. I believe that, with an issue such as this, it is important that there are opportunities to meet and hold discussions that transcend specific interests, and I would like to thank the Inquiry Chair and the organisations involved for all the work undertaken during the inquiry, says Minister for the Environment Lena Ek.
The report proposes measures to achieve coexistence between people and wolves with broad support from all sectors of Swedish society. It will be considered at a consultation to be held on 30 August 2013.
- We previously received the Inquiry's joint position paper on a developed predator policy, and I look forward to reading and reflecting on the report I have received today. Next, the report will be considered at a consultation involving invited referral bodies, before being processed in the Government Offices to form part of the basis for the upcoming Government bill on predators, says Ms Ek.
Read the Wolf Inquiry's final report (in Swedish) on the Government website: www.regeringen.se Press release 26 August 2013 Ministry of the Environment Measures for coexistence between people and wolves Today, the Government's National Committee of Inquiry for a sustainable predator policy for wolves (Wolf Inquiry) will present its final report to the Government and the Minister for the Environment. The Inquiry's task has been to assist the Government in its work to develop wolf policy.
The Inquiry will present almost 40 proposals under 13 headings. It is calling for clearer guidelines from the Riksdag and proposes that the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency be instructed to promptly decide on favourable conservation status. This should be expressed as an range that is followed up and revised if new information emerges justifying a revision. The wolf population should mainly be managed by a simple cull, but it should also be possible to allow the licensed hunting of wolves once favourable conservation status has been achieved. During the past decade, the wolf population has increased from approximately 80 individuals to approximately 400 individuals.
Other proposals concern compensation, damage prevention, an action plan for genetic strengthening, the reduction of illegal hunting and resources for responsible authorities, etc.
"If the Inquiry's proposals are followed, I am convinced that it should be possible for humans and wolves to coexist, for the public to have confidence in the wolf policy and for the European Commission to drop its infringement proceedings against Sweden," says Inquiry Chair Peter Egardt.
Background The Inquiry consisted of Inquiry Chair Peter Egardt assisted by Principal Secretary Lennart Nordvarg. They have been aided by an expert group of leading representatives of nine organisations. However, the report and conclusions presented today are the Inquiry Chair's own.
The Inquiry was appointed because of the significant polarisation between different interests regarding the presence of wolves in Sweden. Views about wolves range from those who do not want to see any wild wolves at all to those who advocate complete protection for wolves. Another reason is that Sweden must live up to its international obligations, including the EU's Habitats Directive, which is intended to safeguard biological diversity.
Read the Inquiry's final report on the Government website (in swedish): www.sweden.gov.se
Contact Contact: Peter Egardt Chair +46 10 223 32 40 +46 70 560 00 91
Lennart Nordvarg, Principal Secretary +46 10 223 33 15 +46 70 558 99 03 Press release 22 August 2013 Ministry of the Environment New rules on biocidal products The Government decided today on amendments to the Ordinance on Biocidal Products. These amendments are linked to new EU rules on biocidal products (e.g. rodenticides, mosquito repellent, antifouling paints and wood preservatives) that enter into force in Sweden on 1 September.
- The most important aspect of the amendments is that substances that cause damage to people's genetic make-up or are carcinogenic, harmful to foetuses or endocrine disruptors will not be allowed in biocidal products, says Minister for the Environment Lena Ek.
- We are putting in place a better regulatory framework for goods that have been treated with these products. The new EU Regulation also helps us to achieve the Swedish environmental quality objective of a non-toxic environment, concludes Ms Ek.
The legislative amendments that have now been adopted will align the Swedish rules on the approval of biocidal products with the EU Regulation. Moreover, the Swedish Chemicals Agency has been appointed as the agency responsible for examining applications for approval in accordance with the EU Regulation.
A proposal for consideration by the Council on Legislation, which is currently being prepared at the Government Offices, contains proposals for penalty provisions for those who violate the EU Regulation. Proposals for additional amendments of the Swedish rules on biocidal products are contained in a memorandum that the Ministry of the Environment referred for consideration in June 2013 (M2013/1675/R).
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Susanne Classon Desk Officer +46 8 405 32 76 Press release 11 July 2013 Ministry of the Environment Government begins review of Sweden's climate targets The Government has initiated work ahead of the 2015 review to ensure that we achieve Sweden's climate and energy policy targets by 2020.
Work is now under way at the Government Offices to prepare several assignments for various government agencies, such as the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and the Swedish Energy Agency, to conduct an evaluation of energy and climate policy with an eye to the 2020 targets.
The 2009 Government bill on climate and energy policy set out Sweden's goal to reduce emissions by 40 per cent by 2020 compared with the 1990 level. This goal applies to the activities not covered by the European Emission Trading System. The Government also established that a review to analyse climate impact relative to the targets should be conducted in 2015.
Sweden has reduced its domestic emissions by 20 per cent since 1990, according to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's preliminary estimates of 2012 emissions. The pace of reductions has accelerated in recent years. This shows that the policy instruments set in place in 2009 have generally had the desired effect.
- Even though the situation is currently looking positive, we must naturally be prepared for the fact that certain targets may not be achieved with existing and planned policy instruments. Proposals for new or amended instruments must then be submitted to enable the Government to take a position on what needs to be revised. We must also keep track of whether we are on the right path to achieve the Government's vision that by 2050 Sweden has no net emissions of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, says Minister for the Environment Lena Ek.
- In addition, we have the long-term priority of a vehicle fleet free of fossil fuels by 2030 to consider. The important thing for me is that the amendment proposals resulting from the review enhance the environmental effects and contribute to more innovations, new jobs and the spread of new technology, says Ms Ek.
Contact Mikael Ekman Political Adviser +46 8 405 10 00 email to Mikael Ekberg, via the Senior registry clerk Helene Ågren Director +46 8 405 37 95 Press release 27 June 2013 Ministry of the Environment Four new interim targets on dangerous substances Today the Government decided on four new interim targets within the environmental objective system on dangerous substances. This means that Sweden is taking further steps in its efforts to reduce the risks of chemicals and to achieve the environmental quality objective of a non-toxic environment.
The new interim targets on dangerous substances are about reducing the chemical risks to children's health, detoxifying ecocycles for goods and recycled material, developing the EU's chemical rules by strengthening the application of the product choice principle, and increasing the pace of the phase-out of dangerous External links substances. For further information on the environmental quality - A clearer direction is needed for Sweden's efforts to achieve a non-toxic everyday environment. The four objectives (in swedish) new interim targets on dangerous substances improve chemical safety in society. Moreover, these objectives stress the importance of strengthening and developing supervision of chemicals, not least through collaboration within the EU. They are also designed to encourage innovation and the development of safer alternatives, says Minister for the Environment Lena Ek.
Background: Seven interim targets on dangerous substances have now been established, covering: particularly dangerous substances; knowledge of the health and environmental profiles of chemical substances; information about dangerous substances in products; development and application of the EU's chemical rules; more effective chemicals supervision in the EU; non-toxic and resource-efficient ecocycles; and reducing children's exposure to dangerous chemicals.
Environmental objectives system to enable structured environmental work The aim of the environmental objectives system is to give structure to environmental work and allow systematic follow-up of policy. Regular follow-up of the environmental quality objectives and the state of the environment provides the basis for strategic action. The objectives set in the system send a clear signal to all actors in society on what the Government and the Riksdag want to achieve through environmental policy and - just as important - how this interlocks with other policy areas. From an international perspective, the objectives system is unique. Actors from every area of society are involved in what is sometimes quite rightly called Sweden's largest cooperation project. The Riksdag decided in 2010 on a new structure for environmental work, with a generational goal, environmental quality objectives and interim targets. The objectives structure for environmental work is as follows: The generational goal is the overall goal of environmental policy and means that we are to be able to pass on to the next generation a society in which the major environmental problems have been solved, without increasing environmental and health problems beyond Sweden's borders. This calls for an ambitious environmental policy - in Sweden, in the EU and in international contexts. The 16 environmental quality objectives indicate the state of the Swedish environment to which environmental action is intended to lead. The environmental quality objectives have a number of more detailed definitions that clearly set out the environmental state that they are to achieve. The interim targets are to make clear what changes in society are necessary in order for us to achieve the environmental quality objectives and the generational goal.
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Monica Törnlund Deputy Director +46 8 405 86 85
Press release 17 June 2013 Ministry of the Environment Lena Ek to host European meeting in Kiruna On 2-3 July, Minister for the Environment Lena Ek will host an extraordinary meeting within the framework of the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) on raw materials in Kiruna. Ministers, EU commissioners and representatives of the business sector will attend the meeting. Accredited media representatives are welcome to attend.
The overall objective of the Partnership, which is led by Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship Antonio Tajani, is to reduce Europe's import dependency on raw materials that are crucial for European industry and help to secure a sustainable supply of raw materials in the medium and long term. At the High Level Steering Group meeting on 16 July, a strategic implementation plan is due to be adopted.
Those invited to the Kiruna meeting include the three commissioners, the eight ministers and the representatives of Swedish industry (from LKAB, Atlas Copco and Södra) who are members of the Partnership's High Level Steering Group. Finland's Minister of the Environment and Norway's Minister of Trade and Industry are also invited to the meeting.
The purpose of the meeting is to showcase Kiruna as an innovative region with a strong business sector at the international cutting edge in sustainable raw material supply and world-class environmental performance. It will demonstrate how Kiruna enhances its regional competitiveness by investing in its strengths - mining, tourism, the ice hotel and space research, etc. The meeting will also provide the forestry sector with an opportunity to show the leading-edge developments in wood as a raw material. The meeting in Kiruna will put the region on the map for those attending.
Programme points: Mining - a visit to LKAB's mine and a presentation on sustainable mining Forestry - efficient and sustainable forestry Space - a guided tour and presentation of Esrange Space Centre
Accredited media representatives are welcome to attend. Please register with eva-lena.fahlströ[email protected] no later than Thursday 27 June 2013. Press release 08 April 2013 Ministry of the Environment Minister for the Environment Lena Ek to attend meeting of UN network in New York Minister for the Environment Lena Ek is travelling to New York on 8-9 April to attend a meeting of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UNSDSN).
The meeting will be chaired by Professor Jeffrey Sachs, Special Adviser to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon. The aim of UNSDSN is to propose solutions and practical approaches to the UN's work on sustainable development, based on the agenda for global development as formulated at the Rio+20 Summit in 2012 and to External links apply from 2015, when the current Millennium Development Goals expire. For further information on UNSDSN Alongside Ms Ek, several other Swedish representatives are part of the network, including Hans Vestberg, CEO of Ericsson, Professor Lena Treschow Thorell, Chair of MISTRA, and Professor Johan Rockström, Executive Director of the Stockholm Resilience Centre.
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Matthias Johansson Chief of Staff (Also attending) + 46 70 261 22 80 Press release 08 April 2013 Ministry of the Environment Lena Ek to take part in Baltic Sea Forum, St Petersburg On 5 April, Minister for the Environment Lena Ek will represent Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt at the high- level conference Baltic Sea Forum in St Petersburg. The Forum is organised by the Russian Federation and led by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.
- All countries must work together to restore and protect the ecosystem of the Baltic Sea. Together with the business world and civil society, we can ensure that future generations are able to enjoy a healthy sea. We must realise that these efforts are a good investment in the future, stresses Ms Ek.
The conference will continue on 6 April with participants from the business world in a Public-Private Partnership Forum in the Baltic Sea Region, at which Ambassador for Oceans, Seas and Fresh Water Lisa Emelia Svensson will be leading the Swedish delegation.
The aim of the Baltic Sea Forum is to follow up the commitments at heads of government level to achieve a good environment in the Baltic Sea, including commitments within the context of HELCOM and the Baltic Sea Action Summit. Participants are heads of government in the Baltic Sea region and the European Commission.
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Press release 08 February 2013 Ministry of the Environment Nordic environment ministers take the lead on a clear environmental dimension in the UN sustainable goals The Nordic environment ministers met in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, on 7 February 2013. The environment ministers decided to work together to ensure the environmental dimension is clearly highlighted in the work on the UN's new sustainable development goals. The decision on global sustainable development goals is one of the most important outcomes of Rio+20, the UN Conference on Sustainable Development held in June 2012.
The Nordic environment ministers emphasised that ecosystems are of vital importance for the economy and human development. When the goals for the post-2015 global development agenda are set, the Earth's ecological limits must be respected. International environment conventions, such as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Convention on Biological Diversity, already contain many set goals that are to interact with and reinforce the new sustainable development goals.
"Strengthening the environmental agenda to ensure we keep within the planet's ecological limits is crucial for long-term sustainable development and ought to be reflected in the global goals. The Nordic countries have important experiences to share," stressed Lena Ek, who chaired the meeting of environment ministers.
The ministers also decided to enhance the use of 'green' well-being indicators, as a complement to using a country's GDP, in consultation with responsible authorities in the finance and business sectors, as well as statistics authorities. New well-being indicators should be developed across sectors and take into consideration the development of ecosystems.
The environment ministers also decided to conduct a dialogue on climate issues in connection with the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) presenting its report on climate change in Stockholm in September 2013. Business sector representatives will be invited to this meeting.
Finally, the ministers discussed the EU's Seventh Environmental Action Programme which is under negotiation this spring. The ministers emphasised that the programme must be clear about a non-toxic environment and include a strategy for handling environmental and health risks surrounding the combination effects of chemicals, nanomaterials, endocrine disruptors and dangerous substances in goods. The ministers stressed as well that a climate objective for the EU for 2030 should be included in the programme.
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Press release 06 February 2013 Ministry of the Environment Arctic Environment ministers agreed to strengthen cooperation to protect the Arctic environment Arctic environment ministers met in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, 5-6 February, for a meeting focused on actions to address the rapid environmental changes in the Arctic.
Rapid changes are taking place in the Arctic due to climate change and increased global resource use. The 2012 record low Arctic sea ice extent and great melting of the Greenland ice sheet were clear signals of the drastic on-going changes. Download Chair's conclusions from the - Global effects of rapid Arctic change mean that environmental protection in the Arctic is an issue of global Arctic Environment Ministers concern. This meeting is the first one involving such a broad group of environment ministers, committed to Meeting in Jukkasjärvi, stepping up action to protect the Arctic environment, says Lena Ek, Swedish minister for the environment and Sweden 5-6 February 2013 chair of the meeting. (pdf 384 kB) The most important step forward at the meeting was discussions on strengthening the joint work on short lived climate pollutants and in particular reduction of black carbon (or soot) from the Arctic countries. Ministers called for urgent action to reduce Short Lived Climate Pollutants and encouraged establishment of a process aiming for an instrument or other arrangements to reduce emissions of black carbon from the Arctic External links States. The most important elements of such an instrument were discussed. Read more about the meeting - I am very pleased that we have agreed on important steps in our joint ambitions to significantly reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants including black carbon (soot). These pollutants accelerate the warming of the Arctic and are at the same time a serious risk for human health, says Lena Ek, Swedish minister for the environment
Ministers covered several other topics of urgency for the Arctic environment and stressed the need for the Arctic states to implement agreed biodiversity targets, e.g. the Aichi targets. Ministers underlined the urgency of cleaning up contamination hot spots within Arctic states.
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Eva Lindhé Head of Communications +46 73 055 39 27 Press release 05 February 2013 Ministry of the Environment Lena Ek at meeting of Arctic environment ministers in Jukkasjärvi On 5-6 February, Minister for the Environment Lena Ek is attending the Arctic environment ministers meeting, "Arctic Change - Global Effects", in Jukkasjärvi.
Time and place External links Press conference will take place: Read more about the meeting Time: On 6 February from 15.00-16.00 Place: At the hotel in the Arc Center (will also be streamed live).
Issues concerning the rapid changes occurring in the Arctic will be discussed during the meeting. The coverage of Arctic sea ice in summer 2012 was the lowest in modern times, which is a reminder of ongoing climate change and how the region is now rapidly changing. Measures to reduce the rate of change and mitigate its impact must be strengthened.
Other issues also to be discussed include reducing black carbon emissions in the Arctic and measures to safeguard biodiversity and ecosystem functions in the region.
Media representatives are welcome to attend the meeting with the exception of the ministerial dialogue. However, please notify Eva Lindhé, Head of Communications, of your participation in advance on +46 73 055 39 27 or [email protected]
Please bring your press credentials.
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Eva Lindhé Head of Communications +46 73 055 39 27 Press release 01 February 2013 Ministry of the Environment The Government wants to make the value of ecosystem services visible The Government has today appointed an inquiry tasked with analysing and proposing methods to estimate the value of ecosystem services. The inquiry chair will also propose how these values can be integrated into economic positions, political considerations and other decisions in society.
"Ecosystem services" is a new term for many people. It calls attention to the obvious truth that people are dependent on nature and the services it provides. When we can put a value on ecosystem services, such as pollination and its role in food production, we will be able to secure significant economic values for both society and businesses," says Minister for the Environment Lena Ek.
By better defining the value of ecosystem services and integrating them into the economy, Sweden will be better equipped to preserve and sustainably use these ecosystems. In 2012, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency was tasked with compiling information on important ecosystem services in Sweden, and in April last year the Government approved specifications and new milestone targets in the Swedish system of environmental objectives. For example, a milestone target was established entailing that by 2018, the importance of biodiversity and the value of ecosystem services are to be generally known and integrated into economic positions, political considerations and other decisions in society where such factors are relevant and reasonable.
Today the Government is taking the next step and appointing an inquiry chaired by Maria Schultz and tasked with analysing and proposing methods to estimate the value of ecosystem services as well as proposing how these values can be integrated into economic positions, political considerations and other decisions in society where such factors are relevant and reasonable.
"The inquiry is expected to provide us with tools that will enable us, in a virtually unprecedented way, to take ecosystem services into account in the central government budget - this is responsible economic policy," says Ms Ek.
Inquiry Chair Maria Schultz currently works at Stockholm Resilience Centre.
The Inquiry is to present its report by 30 September 2013.
Ecosystem services Ecosystem services are based on ecosystem functions and consist of the production of goods and services that society is dependent on, i.e. the direct and indirect contributions of ecosystems to human well-being. The long-term management of ecosystem services is dependent on well- functioning and robust ecosystems that are also resilient and adaptable to change.
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Press release 01 February 2013 Ministry of the Environment New global environmental agreement to protect human health and the environment from mercury Delegates from some 150 countries gathered this week for the fifth and final session of the mercury negotiations within the framework of the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP. Since the first session in Stockholm in June 2010, negotiations have been underway to prepare a new global agreement to protect human health and the environment from mercury.
Mercury is one of the most dangerous environmental toxins and constitutes a threat to both the environment and human health. It is a highly volatile metal that can be transported long distances in the atmosphere. Mercury is not degradable; instead, it becomes concentrated in soil, water and living organisms.
In the early morning of 19 January, the negotiations resulted in a convention text to be open for signature in the Japanese city of Minamata in October this year.
"I am pleased that the new mercury convention will include mercury's entire life cycle, from primary mining to waste management and final disposal. We will be able to work globally to reduce mercury supplies, its use in products and industrial processes and its transport by air, for example, and within the framework of the convention we will draw up legally binding requirements for safe waste management. This is a great achievement for EU negotiators and the world's population, as well as for the environment," says Minister for the Environment Lena Ek.
The agreement regulates the use of mercury in both products and industrial processes through bans and restrictions that in most cases will apply from 2020. The convention also includes measures to reduce emissions from coal-fired power stations. Emissions from small-scale gold extraction, a major source of mercury contamination in poorer parts of the world, are also included.
The agreement also restricts the supply of and trade in mercury, including a ban on primary mining. Dental amalgam fillings are not banned, as they are in Sweden, which was an issue Sweden pursued in the negotiations but for which it received no support. However, dental amalgam is included through requirements that parties phase down their use as much as possible through several different measures. Despite the fact that no direct ban was introduced against the use of dental amalgam, use and exposure will decrease. The mercury convention includes the potential to ban additional products, as well as to ban amalgam, for example, in the future, which is a great advantage. The parties can also choose to go further than the provisions found in the convention.
"I would have liked to have come further in several parts of the agreement, including the question of amalgam, which I would have liked to ban on a global scale, in line with the Swedish model. Nonetheless, the convention will lead to major improvements at global level and enable continued efforts to improve the provisions," says Ms Ek.
It was discovered in the 1950s that the residents of Minamata had been exposed to mercury poisoning for many years through the fish they ate, resulting in severe neurological disorders. The mercury came from industrial wastewater discharged for decades into Minamata Bay.
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Press release 28 January 2013 Ministry of the Environment Reminder - Press invitation Arctic environment ministers meeting: Arctic Change - Global Effects and press invitation to press briefing on 30 January Rapid changes are taking place in the Arctic due to climate change and increased global resource use. The region is rich in biodiversity and home to many species of global significance. In summer 2012, the extent of Arctic sea ice was the lowest in modern times, which is yet another reminder of ongoing climate change and how the region is now rapidly changing. Measures to reduce the rate of change and mitigate its impact must be strengthened.
These issues will be in focus during the upcoming Arctic environment ministers meeting in Jukkasjärvi on 5-6 February 2013. Discussions on reducing black carbon emissions in the Arctic and measures to safeguard biodiversity and ecosystem functions in the region will be of particular importance. External links Advance registration is Time and place required to attend the meeting in Jukkasjärvi The meeting will take place on 5-6 February in Jukkasjärvi. Advance registration is required to attend the More about the Arctic meeting in Jukkasjärvi. Environment Ministers meeting in Jukkasjärvi A press conference will be held on 6 February from 15.00-16.00 on site in Jukkasjärvi (will also be streamed live).
Press briefing - new place A press briefing will be held ahead of the meeting on 30 January. Minister for the Environment Lena Ek, Arctic Ambassador Gustaf Lind and experts in the field will attend the briefing.
Time: 30 January at 10.00 Place: Pressrummet, Rosenbad (new place)
The press briefing will be streamed live
Please bring your press credentials.
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Eva Lindhé Head of Communications work +46 8 405 39 27 cell +46 730 55 39 27 Press release 21 January 2013 Ministry of the Environment Press invitation Arctic environment ministers meeting: Arctic Change - Global Effects Rapid changes are taking place in the Arctic due to climate change and increased global resource use. The region is rich in biodiversity and home to many species of global significance. In summer 2012, the extent of Arctic sea ice was the lowest in modern times, which is yet another reminder of ongoing climate change and how the region is now rapidly changing. Measures to reduce the rate of change and mitigate its impact must be strengthened.
These issues will be in focus during the upcoming Arctic environment ministers meeting in Jukkasjärvi on 5-6 February 2013. Discussions on reducing black carbon emissions in the Arctic and measures to safeguard biodiversity and ecosystem functions in the region will be of particular importance. External links Advance registration is required to attend the meeting Time and place in Jukkasjärvi The meeting will take place on 5-6 February in Jukkasjärvi.
A press conference will be held on 6 February from 15.00-16.00 on site in Jukkasjärvi (will also be streamed live).
Press briefing A press briefing will be held ahead of the meeting on 30 January from 10.00-11.30 at the International Press Centre, Fredsgatan 6. Minister for the Environment Lena Ek, Arctic Ambassador Gustaf Lind and experts in the field will attend the briefing.
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Eva Lindhé Head of Communications +46 8 405 39 27 +46 730 55 39 27 email to Eva Lindhé 2012
Press release 18 December 2012 Ministry of the Environment The Delegation for Sustainable Cities 2011:01 Take action now! The Delegation for Sustainable Cities was appointed by the Swedish Government in the autumn of 2008. This took place in light of the climate threat, rapid global urbanization and the realization that it is our cities that hold the key to solving the climate issue.
The Delegation has been active from September 2008 to December 2012 and has implemented different measures that help to improve the conditions for the development of sustainable cities. External links The Delegation has adopted a financial support package to stimulate sustainable urban development projects. Read more Important foundations for the Delegation have been established and are now presented in a policy for sustainable cities:
Take Action Now!
Take Action Now - A Policy for Sustainable Cities The policy contains the following ten recommendations:
The crucial role of residents The most important actors in cities are, not surprisingly, the people who live there. Sustainable urban development is dependent on people's capacity to understand problems, change their values and adopt new ways of thinking. The climate issue is also about behaviours and ultimately about people's survival.
Combine the ability to take action with a long-term approach. The main aspects of a sustainable urban development strategy include insight into the limitations of development, strong leadership, broad dialogue, mobilization and the ability to take action combined with a long-term approach. The need for measures covers a broad range of sectors. A genuine transition goes hand in hand with a new interpretation of welfare and requires a different set of fundamental values. Renewal takes time and we therefore have no time to lose!
Invest in best practice examples Projects that go a step further and can be exhibited to the international community drive forward development. The Delegation has awarded financial support to 98 pioneer projects throughout Sweden. Knowledge transfer from both the Delegation's projects and from other best practice examples is now needed. Financial support also needs to be given to new projects that help to drive forward the transition.
Use leverage Government support provides leverage at several stages, since best practice inspires local applications on a broad scale. Investments in showcase projects with climate benefit and other sustainability aspects in focus will be recouped many times over when experiences are disseminated to many actors.
More research and innovation The funding for research, development, innovation and showcase examples in the field of urban development needs to increase. To create breakthroughs and progress, experimental activities and innovation are required. Sweden must develop a broader, more systematic and dynamic approach to knowledge and innovation as regards urban development than currently is the case.
Reduce isolationism - work across the sectors Isolationism is a clear obstacle to a sustainable transition of cities. A holistic view, cooperation, a systems approach and tenacity are required to achieve synergies and sustainability in all dimensions. It is a political task to facilitate cross-sector cooperation, but better training and education, new platforms and different planning tools are also required.
Invest in the renewal of the million-homes project Renewal and refurbishment in the million-homes areas are both a challenge and a major opportunity. The areas must be included in the urban fabric and be on an equal footing instead of isolated peripheral developments. This is also a question of investing in and incorporating a social capital in the living environment.
Improve the regulatory framework The regulatory framework must be better coordinated to promote and drive forward sustainable urban development. Prohibitive regulations should be identified and phased out. The Public Procurement Act, the Planning and Building Act, the Environmental Code, traffic legislation and the environmental objectives system with the environmental quality objective A Good Built Environment are among the instruments that perhaps need to be reviewed and better coordinated.
Strengthen international exchange International cooperation and knowledge exchange are required to achieve sustainable urban development. The building-up of institutional capacity in recipient countries by Swedish and international actors is a basis for long-term results. Business models for export must also be based on local needs and prerequisites. Exchange and the Swedish export of know-how in the field of sustainable urban development need to be safeguarded by implementing knowledge development measures.
National focus on sustainable cities is needed A national urban policy is an instrument that can be used to coordinate the sector interests of central government and to lend support to regional and local work on sustainable urban development. An important reason for developing a national urban policy is to eliminate obstacles that hinder cooperation between public and private interests, for example regulatory frameworks and financial models.
Contact Christina Leideman, Director of the Secretariat +46 8 405 27 65, [email protected] Press release 13 June 2012 Prime Minister's Office Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Environment UN Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson and Minister for the Environment Lena Ek will be representing Sweden at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) on 20-22 June in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The aim of the conference is to discuss what needs to be done to ensure that the world moves towards more sustainable development. This requires joint action and commitments in three areas in particular: economic development, social development and environmental protection. In addition, democracy and respect for Related human rights are prerequisites for sustainable development. More about Rio+20 and Sweden's participation The UN has organised conferences on the theme of sustainable development every ten years since 1972, when the first was held in Stockholm. Rio+20 will be the fifth and is expected to gather almost 50 000 representatives of governments, parliaments, cities, civil society, multilateral organisations and the business community.
The Swedish delegation will comprise representatives of the government, the Riksdag, civil society and business, as well as youth representatives.
Follow the Swedish Rio+20 delegation on Twitter @SweMFA and #SweRio20.
Contact Roberta Alenius Presschef hos Fredrik Reinfeldt +46 8 405 49 04 Sebastian Tham Press Secretary to Hillevi Engström +46 72 212 74 72 email to Sebastian Tham Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Press release 12 June 2012 Ministry of the Environment Seventh Environmental Action Programme, biodiversity and biosafety on ministers' agenda Minister for the Environment Lena Ek will take part in the EU Meeting of the Environment Council on 11 June in Luxembourg. The agenda includes the adoption of Council conclusions on the EU's Seventh Environmental Action Programme.
The Council is expected to adopt the Council conclusions on EU's Seventh Environmental Action Programme. The conclusions provide important strategic input to a proposal for a Seventh Environmental Action Programme which the Commission has announced it will publish in November 2012. The EU's Environmental Action Programmes have guided the development of EU environment policy since the early seventies and provide an important framework for European environment policy. They promote long-term thinking and continuity for the environmental agenda and foster a holistic approach to environmental issues. The Sixth Environmental Action Programme, adopted in 2002, expires on 30 June 2012.
Furthermore, the Council is expected to adopt Council conclusions on biodiversity that will be used as a basis for the EU's position prior to the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 11) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP/MOP 6) to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. The conferences will take place in Hyderabad, India, 8-19 October 2012 and 1- 5 October 2012 respectively. Among the items for discussion at COP 11 is the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020. Measures to strengthen capacity for the implementation of the Convention and the Convention's goals for resource mobilisation for biological diversity are also important matters for discussion in Hyderabad. The COP/MOP 6 will follow up the Cartagena Protocol, which regulates transboundary movements of genetically modified organisms. The Council expects a status report on Roadmap 2050 - a practical guide to a prosperous low-carbon Europe. The platform for the Commission communication "Roadmap to a competitive low-carbon economy in 2050" is that the EU will reduce its emissions by 80-95 per cent by 2050 in a cost-effective manner.
The Council also expects a status report on amendments in the GMO Directive. In July 2010, the Commission presented a proposal to insert an article into Directive 2001/18/EC on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms (GMO). The article gives Member States the possibility to restrict or prohibit cultivation of GMOs on their territory even if the crop in question has been EU approved for cultivation.
The meeting will close with a guidelines debate on the Commission's proposal for a decision on emissions and removals of greenhouse gases related to land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF sector). At the UN Climate Change Conference COP 17/CMP 7 in Durban in December 2011, the countries agreed on the Durban platform, which opens to a second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol. One aspect of the decision referred to the international accounting rules for LULUCF that will apply during the Kyoto Protocol's second commitment period. Given the EU climate and energy package and the decision in Durban concerning LULUCF, the Commission has now presented a communication and legislative proposal concerning how to deal with the LULUCF sector in relation to EU-wide emissions commitments.
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Press release 31 May 2012 Prime Minister's Office Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Environment Fredrik Reinfeldt and Carl Bildt receive US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton On Sunday 3 June Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt and Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt will receive US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in Stockholm for discussions. Among the topics to be discussed are the economic situation in the EU and current foreign policy issues. Particular focus will be on the difficult situation in Syria, developments in the European vicinity, as well as internet freedom issues.
Programme points:
Saturday 2 June US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton arrives in the evening at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, where she will be met by Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt.
Photo opportunity Photographers register in advance, no later than 1 June at 16.00, to: Claes Jernaeus, tel. +46 70 866 83 79. Assembly time for preregistered photographers will be announced to those concerned later.
Sunday 3 June Bilateral discussions in the morning between Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt and US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton during a boat trip in the Stockholm archipelago. Minister for Defence Karin Enström will participate during some of the discussions.
Minister for the Environment Lena Ek and US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will speak and launch a campaign to increase awareness of short-lived climate pollutants. HRH Crown Princess Victoria will attend the conference. Researchers, young people, representatives of business and the public have been invited.
A number of places have been reserved for the media at the conference. Time and venue will be announced on accreditation. Apply for accreditation no later than 1 June at 15.00 to [email protected], tel. +46 730 55 39 27.
Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt meets US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton at the entrance to Rosenbad.
Photo opportunity Advance notification of attendance no later than 1 June at 16.00: [email protected]. Valid press credentials required.
Discussions, Rosenbad Photo pool Advance notification of attendance no later than 1 June at 16.00: [email protected]. Valid press credentials are required.
Please note! For both of these photo opportunities: Admittance via Kopparporten 13.45-14.15.
16.00 Press briefing with Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt. Rosenbad, Bella Venezia. Language: English Advance notification of attendance no later than 1 June at 16.00: [email protected] . Please note! Admittance via Kopparporten 15.15-15.45.
Please be punctual!
Contact Roberta Alenius Presschef hos Fredrik Reinfeldt +46 8 405 49 04 Markus Friberg Press Secretary to Fredrik Reinfeldt +46 8 405 48 72 +46 70 261 30 84 email to Markus Friberg Anna Charlotta Johansson +46 8 405 00 00 Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Press release 26 April 2012 Ministry of the Environment Minister for the Environment adopts declaration of intent on chemicals In conjunction with the environmental conference Stockholm+40, Minister for the Environment Lena Ek together with Nina Cromnier, Director-General of the Swedish Chemicals Agency, organised an international chemicals dialogue on Tuesday 24 April. As a step forward, Ms Ek today adopted a declaration of intent focusing on eight selected areas in which to concentrate implementation efforts over the next eight years.
In 2002, world leaders agreed in Johannesburg that by 2020, chemicals would be produced and used so as to minimise harmful effects on the environment and our health. The goal adopted at the summit aims at, achieving sound management of chemicals throughout their life cycle so that, by 2020, chemicals are Download produced and used in ways that minimize significant adverse impacts on human health and the environment. Declaration of intent - towards the 2020 goal for Sound With eight years left until the target is due to be met, Minister for the Environment Lena Ek is now choosing to Management of Chemicals step up efforts on chemicals. Accordingly, Tuesday's dialogue was chosen as the occasion to present the (pdf 132 kB) initiative "8 Years - 8 Actions - an initiative towards the 2020 goal for Sound Chemicals Management". In this Background document for the initiative, Ms Ek chooses to highlight eight areas that she considers particularly important in the drive to meet Global Stakeholder Dialogue the 2020 target. These areas also found broad support among all the participants in the dialogue. on the 8 Years - 8 Areas for Action (pdf 274 kB) "The use and management of chemicals is an area that receives far too little attention in discussions on sustainable development, even though its effects have a great impact on nature and health. I have chosen now to highlight eight areas that I see as particularly critical if we are to achieve the 2020 target," says Ms Ek. The eight areas range from an increased focus on substitutes for hazardous substances, better access to information about chemicals in products, a growing focus on health issues associated with chemicals use and the need to more clearly integrate chemicals in work on sustainable development and poverty eradication.
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Press release 22 April 2012 Ministry of the Environment Press Conference: Outcome of the First Ministerial of The Climate and Clean Air Coalition The Clean Air Coalition will announce new partners and take forward projects to phase-down and phase-out short-lived pollutants which include black carbon or "soot" and methane.
Time and place Related Please note change of venue Stockholm+40 - international Venue: Hotel Sheraton, room: Drottningholm conference Time: Kl 14:30 Date: 24 of April 2012
Minister for the Environment Lena Ek and Achim Steiner, UNEP Executive Director and Under-Secretary- General of the United Nations, will host the press conference. Ministers from different countries will attend. Accredited members of the media are invited.
Background In February 2012 six countries and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) announced a new coalition aimed at fast action on short lived climate pollutants. The six countries were Bangladesh, Canada, Ghana, Mexico, Sweden and the United States.
These pollutants are now linked with over 2.5 million premature deaths annually, over 30 million tonnes of staple crop losses and an estimated 0.5 degrees C of global temperature rise over the coming decades. At the end of the first Ministerial meeting of the Coalition-being held in parallel to the Stockholm+40 Conference in Sweden-new partners joining the coalition will be announced.
The Ministerial meeting is also set to move forward on projects as first steps towards the implementation phase of the Coalition and its determination to act.
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Press release 18 April 2012 Ministry of the Environment Stockholm +40 - Partnership Forum for Sustainable Development, 23-25 april 2012 On 23-25 April 2012, the Swedish Government will host Stockholm+40 - Partnership Forum for Sustainable Development. The conference is being organised to commemorate the first UN global conference on the human environment, held in Stockholm in 1972. And as a final informal ministerial meeting ahead of the UN Summit Rio+20 in June.
In addition to Minister for the Environment Lena Ek and Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling, the minister responsible for consumer affairs Birgitta Ohlsson and Minister for Information Technology and Energy Anna-Karin Hatt will take part in the Related conference. Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao and Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt will also participate on April 25. The conference will be opened by HM Carl XVI Gustaf. Stockholm+40 - international conference The conference is open to the media. Download Media program and attendee list for ministers and high- Contact level participants (pdf 254 kB) Press coordination Andreas von Schmalensee +46722 23 31 66
Eva Lindhé +46730 55 39 27 Press release 13 April 2012 Ministry of the Environment Government prohibits bisphenol A in baby food bottles Today the Government took a number of decisions aimed at determining the prevalence of the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A and acting against it. One of the measures is a ban on the use of bisphenol A in packaging for food intended for children under the age of three. In addition, the Swedish Chemicals Agency will be instructed to investigate a ban on the chemical's use in receipts and tickets. Furthermore, relevant agencies will determine the extent to which it is used in drinking water pipes and in toys and children's articles.
The Swedish Chemicals Agency and the National Food Agency delivered a report in spring 2011 in response to a government assignment concerning bisphenol A (BPA). The agencies noted in their report that there is greater uncertainty than previously when it comes to determining a safe level for low-dose exposure. They Related therefore proposed a number of measures aimed at increasing knowledge about the prevalence of and exposure to BPA and at protecting young children from exposure from known sources. Chemicals policy
"Parents must be able to feel confident about the products with which their children come into contact in daily life. As a matter of caution, we are now acting in all areas that the agencies believe play a significant role in the exposure of young children," says Minister for the Environment Lena Ek.
The Government will notify the European Commission and EU Member States of its intention to ban the use of BPA in protective coatings in packaging for food intended for children up to the age of three. In practice, the ban will mainly affect the lids of baby food bottles. According to the agencies' report, children's food marketed in Sweden now comes in BPA-free packaging. The ban will ensure that this voluntary phase-out of BPA becomes permanent.
"The EU should take more far-reaching initiatives than today to limit children's exposure to bisphenol A and other known endocrine disruptors. I intend to raise the issue with the Commission and the Member States this spring when we discuss the contents of the EU's next environmental action programme," says Ms Ek.
The Swedish Chemicals Agency has three months to look into a ban on the use of BPA in certain types of thermal paper, such as tickets, receipts and queue tickets. The chemical is used here in a form that enables it to be transferred to and absorbed via the skin.
Another area in which BPA is used in Sweden is in polyester-based materials treated with epoxy, used for relining water pipes. Existing pipes are recoated on site by applying an interior layer of thermosetting plastic. Until now, no BPA has been found in drinking water from relined pipes. The Swedish Chemicals Agency, the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning and the National Food Agency will now investigate the extent to which BPA is used and the mobility of the substance. In addition, the Swedish Chemicals Agency will investigate the chemical's use in toys and children's articles.
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Jerker Forsell Deputy Director +46 8 405 39 71 Press release 13 April 2012 Ministry of the Environment Ministry for Foreign Affairs Reminder - Invitation to media accreditation. Stockholm+40. An international environmental conference on sustainable development ahead of R On 23-25 April 2012, the Swedish Government will host Stockholm+40 - Partnership Forum for Sustainable Development. The conference is being organised to commemorate the first UN global conference on the human environment, held in Stockholm in 1972. And as a final informal ministerial meeting ahead of the UN Summit Rio+20 in June.
Time and place Related Time: 23-25 April 2012 Stockholm+40 - international Place: Stockholm, Münchenbryggeriet and Gamla Riksdagshuset. conference
In addition to Minister for the Environment Lena Ek and Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling, the minister responsible for consumer affairs Birgitta Ohlsson and Minister for Information Technology and Energy Anna-Karin Hatt will take part in the External links conference. The conference will be opened by HM Carl XVI Gustaf. The conference is open to the media. To apply for accreditation (the accreditation will be "Sustainable development can only become a reality if we succeed in involving the people most closely closed april 17th, 9 am) concerned in the decision-making process. At Stockholm+40 we are therefore bringing together decision- makers and international actors from the business sector and civil society, researchers and young people with a view to building up an inclusive picture of what we can do to achieve sustainable development," says Minister for the Environment Lena Ek.
The conference has three main themes: sustainable innovations, sustainable production and sustainable living. The themes will be developed and discussed in open seminars and panel debates.
"Stockholm+40 is a very important platform in preparations for Rio+20, the UN conference on sustainable development in Rio de Janeiro in June. Our discussions and conclusions in Stockholm may be crucial in determining whether or not Rio+20 is a success," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.
Around 30 ministers and senior UN officials will participate in the conference. Participating decision-makers, business representatives and researchers include:
- Tim Jackson, Professor of Sustainable Development, Centre for Environmental Strategy, University of Surrey, author of the book Prosperity without Growth. - Sha Zukang, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs and Secretary- General of Rio+20 - Rebeca Grynspan, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) - Achim Steiner, UNEP Executive Director and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations - Huang Ming, Right Livelihood Award winner and founder of Solar Valley in Dezhou, China (Solar power for sustainable cities) - Olof Persson, CEO Volvo Group - Kris Gopalakrishnan, CEO Infosys Technologies Group - Esther Kelechi Agbarakwe, young climate champion, Population and Climate, Nigeria
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Sebastian Tham Press Secretary to Hillevi Engström +46 72 212 74 72 email to Sebastian Tham
Press release 29 March 2012 Ministry of the Environment Minister for the Environment Lena Ek to environment ministers meeting in Paris "Making green growth deliver" is the theme of the OECD environment ministers meeting on 29-30 March 2012 in Paris. Meetings of environment ministers in the OECD take place every four years and mainly aim at guiding the extensive OECD environmental work and stimulating political discussion on environmental issues in the OECD countries. Ms Ek will chair parts of the meeting.
During the meeting the ministers will review implementation of the OECD environmental strategy that was adopted in 2001 (Ms Ek will chair these discussions), discuss future priorities for action and the OECD's contribution to the RIO+20 conference in June. In addition, the role of cities in sustainable development will External links be discussed, as will how to better link science and environmental policy. OECD Environmental Outlook to 2050: The Consequences of Ahead of the meeting, the OECD has produced an analysis of how the situation of the environment may Inaction develop until 2050, based on various scenarios for socioeconomic developments, called "OECD Environmental Outlook to 2050: The Consequences of Inaction". It states that further delays of measures to reduce environmental pressures will mean major costs, undermine growth and development and risk leading to irreversible and potentially catastrophic changes in the future. At the same time, it states that a well- designed policy can change the trend and ensure long-term economic growth and welfare for coming generations. How a policy of this kind can be designed will be the main point of discussion at the meeting.
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Press release 26 March 2012 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Environment Arctic Council negotiations in Stockholm Close to 180 representatives from the Arctic Council's Member States, indigenous peoples and working groups will convene on 28-29 March during Stockholm Polar Week. The agenda will include one of the Swedish Chairmanship's most important tasks - strengthening the Arctic Council.
"During the meeting in Stockholm, we hope to make a number of significant decisions on the regulatory framework for the Council's new standing secretariat in Tromsö," says Sweden's Arctic Ambassador Gustaf Lind. Related Read more about the Swedish One year ago, the Council's members decided also to develop a plan to improve the Arctic Council's strategic Chairmanship communication. The Chairmanship hopes to reach a consensus on the proposal now on the table.
Participants will also receive a report about the ongoing activities of the Arctic Council's working groups. Several of the groups are currently involved in identifying areas in the Arctic that are particularly worthy of Download protection from an integrated perspective. A more in-depth discussion concerning how the Arctic Council will Lectures and seminars for the proceed with this is expected at the next Senior Arctic Official (SAO) meeting in November. public (pdf 630 kB)
The SAO meeting in Stockholm is the second during the Swedish Chairmanship and will conclude the round of Arctic Council negotiations before the Deputy Ministers' meeting in May. Mr Lind will tweet from the meeting in Stockholm (@saochair). The hashtag for the week is #polarweek. External links Arctic Council's web site Follow Gustaf Lind on Twitter Time and place Journalists are welcome to attend the Museum of Natural History's polar exhibition mingle on Tuesday 27 March between 17.30 and 21.00 to meet polar researchers and representatives from the Arctic Council's Member States, indigenous peoples' organisations and working groups. Minister for Culture Lena Adelsohn Liljeroth will give the opening address. Prior notification of attendance is required. Please contact Linn Duvhammar at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs Press Service: [email protected] or +46 709 280855.
Journalists are also welcome to attend the opening of the SAO meeting at the Museum of Natural History in Stockholm on Wednesday 28 March at 9.00. Ambassador Gustaf Lind, representatives of the Arctic indigenous peoples and prominent Arctic researchers will be on hand for interviews by appointment. Prior notification of attendance is required. Please contact Linn Duvhammar at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs Press Service: [email protected] or +46 709 280855.
Lectures and seminars for the public Within the framework of Stockholm Polar Week and in conjunction with the Arctic Council's SAO meeting, the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat will hold its annual Polar Forum. Joint seminars, film showings at Cosmonova and panel debates on the vast changes occurring in the Arctic will be held daily and are open to the public. The Arctic Reality - What's Next? seminar presents researchers' views on what should be prioritised to manage and reduce climate change on the basis of the Arctic Council's report 'Snow, Water, Ice and Permafrost in the Arctic' (SWIPA). Maritime law, business development in the Arctic, sustainable development and resilience are other themes that will be addressed. See separate programme for each seminar.
Arctic Council The Arctic Council is a forum for consultation and cooperation between the governments of the five Nordic countries plus Canada, Russia and the United States, as well as representatives of six Arctic indigenous peoples' organisations. Sweden is currently chairing the Council and will pass on the Chairmanship to Canada at the foreign ministers meeting in Kiruna in May 2013. Contact Linn Duvhammar Desk Officer + (0)8 405 23 32 + 46 (0)709 280 855 E-mail to Linn Duvhammar Paola Albornoz Special Adviser, Ministry for Foreign Affairs +46 8 405 21 62 +46 70 8275124 email to Paola Albornoz Press release 17 February 2012 Ministry of the Environment Minister for the Environment Lena Ek, along with US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and others, has launched a global initiative in Washington to reduce emissions of SLCFs. Together, Sweden, Bangladesh, Canada, Ghana, Mexico and the United States have initiated a global partnership for reduced SLCF emissions. The partnership was presented at a press conference held at the US Department of State in Washington.
Short-lived climate forcers (SLCFs) is a collective term for black carbon particles, ozone and methane. These substances stay in the atmosphere a short time compared with, for example, carbon dioxide, which has a very long-term impact on the climate. Measures that reduce emissions therefore have a relatively rapid effect.
"The global climate negotiations are vital, and must continue. However, I want to see more action. This partnership is an opportunity to act to achieve results that slow warming and improve air quality around the world," says Minister for the Environment Lena Ek.
Black carbon emissions are a strong contributing factor to the melting of Arctic ice at a pace faster than was previously predicted. This leads to irreparable damage to polar ecosystems and an accelerating rise in the sea level. As Chair of the Arctic Council, which includes the Nordic countries as well as the United States, Canada and Russia, Sweden will raise issues relating to black carbon in particular so that all Arctic countries implement concrete measures to reduce emissions.
"Because these substances are short-lived, cutting emissions of them has a rapid effect," says Ms Ek.
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Press release 10 February 2012 Ministry of the Environment Minister for the Environment Lena Ek to visit Washington Minister for the Environment Lena Ek will be in Washington on 15-16 February. Along with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Ms Ek will be launching, on 16 February, a global initiative to reduce emissions of short-lived climate forcers
The Government is working actively to reduce emissions and formation of short-lived climate forcers. Short-lived climate forcers (SLCFs) is a collective term for black carbon particles, ozone and methane. These substances stay in the atmosphere a short time compared with, for example, carbon dioxide, which has a very long-term impact on the climate. Measures that reduce emissions therefore have a relatively rapid effect.
- "Reducing concentrations of black carbon, methane and ozone in the atmosphere has positive benefits for the climate and air quality, as well as for health and vegetation. In addition, it has a positive impact on agricultural production of important crops," says Ms Ek.
Together, Sweden, Bangladesh, Canada, Ghana, Mexico and the United States have initiated a global partnership for reduced SLCF emissions.
- "Because these substances are short-lived, cutting emissions of them has a rapid effect," says Ms Ek.
The launch will take place on 16 February at 9.30 am at the US Department of State, Ben Franklin State Dining Room.
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Press release 06 February 2012 Ministry of the Environment Government wants improved phosphorus recovery cycle The Government has today decided that the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency will be given a special assignment on the sustainable reuse of phosphorus. The Agency's tasks will include identifying phosphorus resources in the community with the potential to improve the recovery cycle.
Phosphorus is an important nutrient and at the same time a finite resource; researchers warn that phosphorus reserves may be depleted sooner than expected. Today, the reuse of phosphorus occurs mainly in the form of sewage sludge spreading. As a step in the Government's efforts to achieve a toxin-free everyday environment, the Government considers that it will be important in the long run to recycle phosphorus from more sources. It is also important that the recycling is done in such a way as to ensure that dangerous substances are not spread. To enable phosphorus to be recycled safely in various land areas (arable land, forest land, etc.), the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency will draw up quality criteria that sludge, digestate, compost, etc. must meet. These include hygiene standards and limit values for metals, as well as for organic pollutants and pharmaceuticals, and other relevant substances.
- It is an important question of creating a cycle that is both resource-efficient and toxin-free, says Minister for the Environment Lena Ek.
The assignment also includes examining, motivating and, where necessary, proposing investment support for new technology to enable the extraction of phosphorus from various phosphorus sources so that it may be reused in a sustainable manner. The Environmental Protection Agency is also required to propose an intermediate target for the reuse of phosphorus.
The assignment is to be conducted in consultation with several other agencies, including the Swedish Chemicals Agency, the National Food Agency, the Swedish Board of Agriculture, the Swedish Forest Agency, the Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control, VINNOVA and the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth. The assignment is to be reported in its entirety by 12 August 2013. The sub-task of proposing investment support is to be reported by 31 August 2012.
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Press release 06 February 2012 Ministry of the Environment "Sweden benefits from the allocation of emission allowances, which shows the advantages of taking the lead in climate and environmental action," says Minister for the Environment Lena Ek. - "The fact that Sweden benefits from the allocation of emission allowances in the EU clearly shows the advantages of taking the lead in climate and environmental action. It shows that it pays to invest in environmentally friendly technologies, for instance, using biogas instead of natural gas," says Ms Ek, commenting on the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's preliminary allocation of emission allowances.
The emission ceiling has been decided by the European Commission and will be gradually lowered until 2020. The system aims to contribute to reducing emissions from the companies concerned in the EU by 21 per cent by 2020 (compared with 2005). External links Read the press release (in It is proposed that Swedish industrial companies and heat producers covered by the EU Emissions Trading swedish) on the Swedish Scheme receive a free allocation of 30.2 million emission rights, which will gradually be reduced to 24 million Environmental Protection by 2020. This is the proposed preliminary allocation of emission allowances presented by the Swedish Agency website: Environmental Protection Agency. These proposals have now been sent to the European Commission for review.
One emission allowance represents the right to emit one tonne of carbon dioxide. This relatively high allocation in Sweden - compared with emissions in 2010 for example - may be explained by the fact that the EU allocation rules benefit CO2-efficient production and that more facilities will be included in the system as of 2013.
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall 2011
Press release 06 December 2011 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Environment The Arctic States call for powerful measures to reduce emissions
"The fight against climate change is an imperative common challenge for the international community and requires immediate global measures. To highlight the effects of global warming in the Arctic, Sweden, which holds the chairmanship of the Arctic Council, will today host a seminar in the margins of the climate External links conference." Read the full statement here Website of the Arctic Council This statement was made today by Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt, chair of the Arctic Council, in Website of the Climate connection with the UN Climate Change Conference which is currently under way in Durban, South Africa. Conference The statement is supported by all eight member states of the Arctic Council.
At the seminar, State Secretary Anders Flanking of the Ministry of the Environment will highlight the special responsibility of the Arctic countries to protect the unique environment of the Arctic.
Arctic Council The Arctic Council is a forum for consultation and cooperation between the governments of the five Nordic countries plus Canada, Russia and the United States, as well as representatives of six Arctic indigenous peoples' organisations. Sweden is currently chairing the Council and will pass on the Chairmanship to Canada at the foreign ministers meeting in Kiruna in May 2013.
Contact Anna Charlotta Johansson +46 8 405 00 00 Gustaf Lind Ambassadör för Arktis +46 8 405 10 00 Press release 02 December 2011 Ministry of the Environment Minister for the Environment Lena Ek on Sweden's positions ahead of the climate negotiations in Durban (COP17) Between 28 November and 9 December, the countries of the world are gathered in Durban, South Africa, for climate negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Minister for the Environment Lena Ek will be participating during the ministerial session, which begins on Tuesday 6 December.
"The message will be crystal clear when the world's climate and environmental ministers meet at the UN Climate Change Conference in Durban next week. Greater and faster emission reductions are required to prevent the world's average temperature from rising by more than two degrees Celsius, which is the target Related agreed by the heads of government in Copenhagen in 2009," says Minister for the Environment Lena Ek. Read more about the UN Climate Change Conference, COP17, on the Swedish Sweden intends to drive for: Government website. continued active work within the EU for the development of a legally binding framework for emission reductions that includes all countries, based on the ability and capacity of each country; Sweden and the EU, as part of a transfer to a new framework, being open to a second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol; the Durban meeting establishing the implementation of a road map that includes all major economies, that clearly defines an end date for when a framework is to be adopted and a process for how gradual progress can be achieved; development of the framework for open reporting and verification of climate emissions. This is important not least to enable major emissions trading and, in the long term, obtain a global price on carbon dioxide; clear information on the establishment of the institutions that were agreed in Cancún, including the Green Climate Fund.
"For Sweden, it is also important that the meeting spends some time looking at how complementary processes can contribute to the long-term goals. These include the work to improve market mechanisms for the climate and phasing out subsidies to fossil fuels. The world must also increase the pace of the work to limit emissions of short-lived climate forcers, or SLCFs, such as soot and methane," says Minister for the Environment Lena Ek.
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Press release 01 November 2011 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Environment Press invitation: Arctic Council to meet in Luleå On 8-9 November, nearly 150 delegates representing the Arctic Council Member States, working groups and indigenous peoples will meet in Luleå. At the meeting, the Council is expected to discuss two major research projects, the Arctic Change Assessment and the Arctic Resilience Report. Among other projects, young people in reindeer husbandry will be on the meeting agenda.
"The preparatory discussions were dealt with during the Arctic week in Stockholm in late September. So in Luleå we are aiming for a dynamic meeting where we can 'press the start button' for the new projects," says Sweden's Arctic Ambassador Gustaf Lind, who will lead the meeting. Related Sweden's Chairmanship 2011- One of the research projects will be on how the environment and Arctic communities are reacting to the 2013 changes that are occurring in the Arctic, an issue that is one of the top priorities of the Swedish Chairmanship.
Much of the practical work of the Council is conducted by its six working groups, which will report to the meeting on ongoing activities and present new proposals within the framework of Arctic cooperation. External links Arctic Council's web site The Senior Arctic Official (SAO) meeting in Luleå is the first of its kind during a Swedish Chairmanship and Follow Gustaf Lind on Twitter will start with guided tours of the icebreaker Oden, in cooperation with the Swedish Maritime Administration and the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat. Gustaf Lind will twitter from the meeting in Luleå.
Side events Dr Svante Bodin of the Swedish Ministry of the Environment will give a lecture on "Short-lived Climate Forcers in the Arctic". Time: Monday 7 November, 13.00-14.30. Place: Lecture hall C305, Luleå University of Technology
Lars-Otto Reiersen, Secretary of the Arctic Council Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) working group, will give a lecture on "Climate change and pollution of the Arctic: Status, trends and effects on Arctic ecosystems and humans". Time: Tuesday 8 November, 14.45-16.15. Place: Lecture hall E632, Luleå University of Technology
Time and place Journalists are welcome to take part in the guided tours of the icebreaker Oden on 7 November and the opening of the SAO meeting in Luleå on 8 November. Prior notification of attendance is required. Ambassador Gustaf Lind, prominent Arctic researchers and representatives of Arctic indigenous peoples will be available for interviews. Journalists are also welcome to attend the public climate lectures at Luleå University of Technology.
The Arctic Council The Arctic Council is a forum for consultation and cooperation between the governments of the five Nordic countries plus Canada, Russia and the United States, as well as representatives of six Arctic indigenous peoples' organisations. Sweden is currently chairing the Council and will pass on the Chairmanship to Canada at the foreign ministers meeting in Kiruna in May 2013.
Contact Paola Albornoz Special Adviser, Ministry for Foreign Affairs +46 8 405 21 62 +46 70 8275124 email to Paola Albornoz Anna Backlund Desk officer +46 (0)8 405 31 49 + 46 (0)708 244 414 E-mail to Anna Backlund Press release 19 October 2011 Ministry of the Environment Political staff of Minister for the Environment Lena Ek appointed Minister for the Environment Lena Ek has completed her appointments to the political staff at the Ministry of the Environment. Mattias Johansson is Chief of Staff, Mikael Ekman and Emma Lindberg are Political Advisers and Erik Bratthall is Press Secretary.
Mattias Johansson was most recently Vice President of the think tank FORES. He has previously worked as Press Secretary at the Ministry of the Environment as well as Press Spokesman for the United Nations Development Programme in Nairobi and New York.
Emma Lindberg was most recently a project leader for climate projects at the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation. She was previously Head of Communications at the Stockholm Environment Institute, Political Adviser to Anders Wikjman at the European Parliament and Environmental Manager at Hewlett-Packard Sweden. She has worked on environmental issues since 2000.
Mikael Ekman was most recently an adviser to Ms Ek at the European Parliament, where he worked on environmental, research and energy issues. He previously worked as an assistant defence lawyer at the Special Court for Sierra Leone in Freetown.
Erik Bratthall was most recently Press Secretary to the newly elected leader of the Centre Party, Annie Lööf. He has previously worked as Press Secretary to former Minister for Enterprise and Energy Maud Olofsson and as Alliance campaign coordinator during the last election.
Contact information: Mattias Johansson, tel: +46 8 405 10 00 Emma Lindberg, tel: +46 8 405 10 00 Mikael Ekman, tel: +46 8 405 10 00 Erik Bratthall, tel: +46 72 743 31 57
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Press release 13 October 2011 Ministry of the Environment Baltic Sea environment a winner as agencies implement Baltic Sea Strategy Some thirty Swedish agencies are being commissioned to play an active part in and work together on the implementation of the EU Baltic Sea Strategy. The strategy pursues a clear objective: to speed up action to improve the Baltic Sea environment and strengthen the Baltic Sea region as a green growth region.
"The Baltic Sea Strategy has made it possible to initiate research and action projects worth hundreds of millions of kronor aimed at improving the Baltic Sea environment," says Minister for the Environment Lena Ek. "A broad network of Swedish agencies active in Baltic Sea cooperation will create good conditions for Related further speeding up the work." The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management, the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea National Chemicals Inspectorate and the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute are among the Region agencies included and will have lead roles in several priority areas and flagship projects. The task of the agencies will include managing measures aimed at reducing the use and impact of hazardous substances at sea, developing a regional climate adaptation strategy and increasing green procurement of goods and services in the Baltic Sea region. The EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region was adopted by the European Council in 2009 during the Swedish Presidency of the European Union. The strategy contains a range of cooperation projects, including many in the areas of clean shipping, stronger protection for biodiversity, reduced use and dissemination of hazardous substances and reduced eutrophication of the Baltic Sea. The work will contribute to implementation of the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM) Baltic Sea Action Plan.
Contact Erik Bratthall Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 +46 72 743 31 57 email to Erik Bratthall Press release 29 September 2011 Prime Minister's Office Annie Lööf new Minister for Enterprise and Regional Affairs, Lena Ek new Minister for the Environment Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt today appointed Annie Lööf Minister for Enterprise and Regional Affairs and head of the Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications. Lena Ek has been appointed Minister for the Environment and head of the Ministry of the Environment. Anna-Karin Hatt will now take over responsibility for energy issues and will therefore be Minister for Information Technology and Energy.
The new ministers will take up their posts with immediate effect. External links See the press conference presenting the new ministers Contact (In Swedish) Erik Bratthall Press contact for Annie Lööf +46 73 337 226 38 Jonas Pettersson Press contact for Lena Ek +46 70 104 16 98 Jonas Johansson Press Secretary to Anna-Karin Hatt +46 8 405 24 11 +46 72 208 22 71 email to Jonas Johansson Roberta Alenius Presschef hos Fredrik Reinfeldt +46 8 405 49 04