Press release
15 December 2009
Ministry of the Environment
Swedish greenhouse gas emissions at record low in 2008
Sweden continues to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, which in 2008 reached a record low. In 2008, emissions dropped by a further 2.2 million tonnes compared with 1990 levels. Total Swedish emissions have now fallen by almost 12 per cent since 1990.
"The new emissions figures are very pleasing. Adapting and renewing our climate policy has produced results. The Alliance Government is delivering. This major reduction in emissions confirms that Sweden is at the forefront and that we more than fulfil our Kyoto commitments," says Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren.
"We have strengthened instruments so that the polluter pays, leading to a dramatic changeover from dependence on fossil fuels to green investments and emissions reductions. One such strengthened instrument is the carbon dioxide tax," says Mr Carlgren.
Sweden has cut its greenhouse gas emissions for the fifth consecutive year. The Ministry of the Environment has received the preliminary data on Swedish greenhouse gas emissions for 2008. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's overview shows that overall emissions of the most important greenhouse gases covered by the Kyoto Protocol continue to fall. The period 2006 to 2007 saw a reduction of about 2.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents, the second largest reduction since 1990. Emissions in 2008 were the lowest for the entire period since 1990. Total emissions have now fallen by about 8.5 million tonnes or 11.7 per cent since 1990, and in 2008 amounted to approximately 64 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents.
According to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, there are several reasons for the reduction in emissions. Further reductions are taking place in housing and non-residential premises, industry and the waste sector. Transport emissions also fell between 2007 and 2008.
"We are pleased to see that the trend has been broken and that emissions from the transport sector are now beginning to fall. The Government has promoted the transition through higher petrol tax and green car incentives. We inherited Europe´s oldest and most petrol-thirsty fleet, and we are now one of the countries with the lowest emissions from new cars," says Mr Carlgren.
The green car rebate, carbon dioxide tax and support to biogas fuel stations are some of the measures the Government has taken.
Contact
Lennart BodénPress Secretary to Andreas Carlgren
Conny Hägg
Senior Adviser
Ministry of the Environment
+46 8 405 21 90
+ 46 70 377 67 01
