SWEDEN’S ENVIRONMENTAL
OBJECTIVES
SWEDEN’S ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES
Generationsmål
The Swedish Parliament has set
a number of environmental
objectives to promote sustainable
development.
These goals guide environmental
efforts in Sweden.They point the
way to a sustainable society.
FOTO: ELLIOT ELLIOT/JOHNÉR
GENERATIONAL GOAL
Generationsmål
“The overall goal of Swedish environmental policy is to hand
over to the next generation a society in which the major
environmental problems in Sweden have been solved,
without increasing environmental and health problems
outside Sweden’s borders.”
RIKSDAG DECISION ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES
FOTO: ELLIOT ELLIOT/JOHNÉR
“BULLET POINTS” OF THE GENERATIONAL GOAL
•
Ecosystems are on the way to recovery
•
Biodiversity and the natural and cultural environment are
conserved
•
Human health is subject to a minimum of adverse impacts from
factors in the environment
•
Materials cycles are resource-efficient and, as far as possible,
free from dangerous substances
•
Natural resources are managed sustainably
•
The share of renewable energy increases and use of energy
is efficient
•
Patterns of consumption of goods and services cause the least
possible problems for the environment and human health
THE RIKSDAG HAS ADOPTED 16 OBJECTIVES
FOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY IN SWEDEN
Reduced Climate Impact
Good-Quality Groundwater
Clean Air
A Balanced Marine Environment,
Flourishing Coastal Areas and Archipelagos
Natural Acidification Only
Thriving Wetlands
A Non-Toxic Environment
Sustainable Forests
A Protective Ozone Layer
A Varied Agricultural Landscape
A Safe Radiation Environment
A Magnificent Mountain Landscape
Zero Eutrophication
A Good Built Environment
Flourishing Lakes and Streams
A Rich Diversity of Plant and Animal Life
ILLUSTRATIONER: TOBIAS FLYGAR
THE ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES SYSTEM
– promoting cooperation at several levels
National environmental quality objectives
nationalmiljökvalitetsmål
lead agencies
• Eight
Nationella
sju huvudansvariga myndigheter
government
agencies
with responsibilities
• Other
Andra
myndigheter
med ansvar
within
the environmental objectives system
i miljömålssystemet
• Regionala miljömål
Regional
environmental objectives
länsstyrelser
County administrative boards
• Lokala miljömål
kommuner
Local
environmental objectives
Local authorities (municipalities)
The business sector, stakeholder organisations and
the public are crucial to achieving the objectives.
WHAT THE OBJECTIVES MEAN IN PRACTICE
For each environmental quality objective, there are
specifications that flesh out its practical implications. They
guide interpretation of the objectives and serve as criteria for
assessing progress towards them.
FOTO: MAGNUS FOND/JOHNÉR
EXAMPLE OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY OBJECTIVE:
Zero Eutrophication
Nutrient levels in soil and water must
not be such that they adversely affect
human health, the conditions for
biological diversity or the possibility of
varied use of land and water.
FOTO: LENA KOLLER/JOHNÉR
EXAMPLE OF AN INDICATOR:
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions to air in Sweden
thousand tonnes
300
250
200
150
100
50
1990
1992
1994
1996
1998
2000
2002
2004
Energy supply
Mobile machinery
Industrial processes
Transport
2006
2008
Other
2010
STRATEGIES AND MILESTONE
TARGETS IN PRIORITY AREAS
An All Party Committee of MPs develops strategies and proposes
milestone targets, policy instruments and measures.
The Government identifies the areas to be given priority.
ARE WE MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION?
IMPLEMENTATION OF
MEASURES IN SOCIETY
RIKSDAG
DECISION
GOVERNMENT
BILL
Environmental
objectives
EVALUATION
EVERY 4 YEARS
ANNUAL
REVIEW OF
PROGRESS
Vill du veta mer?
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Further information is available on the
Environmental Objectives Portal:
miljomal.se
FOTO: LARS P:SON/JOHNÉR