Environment

Greenhouse gas emissions affect the climate regardless of where on Earth they occur, and no country can solve the problem of climate change on its own. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) forms the basis for international climate cooperation. The associated Kyoto Protocol contains commitments for emission reductions up to 2012. Decisions are to be taken on a new global climate agreement to take effect after 2012 at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen from 7-18 December 2009. EU Member States have agreed on an ambitious climate policy with regard to their own reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. The common climate and energy policy lays the foundation for the EU to drive the international climate negotiations forward.

A united EU and successful coordination are essential in order to continue to be proactive in the negotiations. Sweden’s principal task in holding the Presidency of the EU Council of Ministers is to lead the Union so that it can facilitate an agreement on a global climate agreement being reached in Copenhagen. The meeting in Copenhagen and the negotiations ahead of this meeting will be a key task for the Swedish Presidency.

(Photographer: Johan Willner/Johnér)

• Climate

We are currently experiencing several global crises: the financial and economic crisis, rapid climate change and accelerating loss of biodiversity and imbalance in the world’s ecosystems. Crisis actually signifies a time for decision, a turning point or a decisive moment. The turning point we face signifies a unique opportunity to meet the economic and environmental challenges in a coherent manner.

A large part of the solution entails switching the European economy to become an eco-efficient economy. Greater competitiveness and growth are to be achieved while creating a sustainable energy supply, making efficient use of resources and meeting our climate targets and environmental objectives. The European economy has become more efficient – ecologically and economically!

(Photographer: Kenneth Bengtsson/Johnér)

• Eco-efficient economy

The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a global agreement on the preservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. During the period 2009–2010 the Convention’s objective of significantly reducing the rate of loss of biodiversity by 2010 is being followed up and discussions are being held on objectives and visions post-2010. The 2010 objective is a Swedish initiative taken in connection with the sustainable development strategy adopted by the European Council in Göteborg in 2001. Sweden therefore has good prospects for pursuing the issue of follow-up and further development during the Swedish Presidency of the EU in the second half of 2009.

(Photographer: Johnér bildbyrå)

• Biodiversity

By their very nature, the seas and oceans of the world are international areas requiring cross-border cooperation. There are several marine areas within the EU that are of considerable value in terms of fishery and tourism and the collective value of marine ecosystem services is so high that we simply cannot afford to lose them. Problems
in the marine environment are closely linked to opportunities for economic growth. EU policy and legislation has a marked effect on the condition of our marine areas. The Baltic Sea is particularly sensitive and its environmental state is serious as a result of eutrophication and overfishing.Other marine waters within the EU also have major environmental problems. Our seas are adversely affected by activities such as agriculture, fishing and shipping. The EU is currently developing an integrated maritime policy and has broad legislation regulating discharges and water quality.

Sweden will use its EU Presidency this autumn to spur
on improvement of the marine environment. Sweden is making particular efforts to ensure the Baltic Sea is selected as a pilot project, which will give it quicker and
more stringent protection as part of the implementation
of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive.

(Photographer: Johnér bildbyrå)

• The marine environment