Press release 18 December 2007
Ministry of the Environment

Swedish greenhouse gas emissions are declining

Swedish emissions fell by 1.7 per cent between 2005 and 2006. The emissions have decreased by nearly nine per cent from 1990 levels. This means that Sweden has reduced its emissions by 12.7 per cent more than agreed under the Kyoto Protocol. This is shown by data on Swedish greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 to 2006 that the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency delivered to the Government today.

At the same time, figures from Statistics Sweden show that the economy, in fixed prices, has grown by 44 per cent between 1990 and 2006.

"Developments in Sweden give us a chance to show other countries that are doubtful that it is possible to reconcile economic growth with emissions reductions. This means we can both encourage industrialised countries that have not yet done enough and convince developing countries that sustainable development of society is possible," says Andreas Carlgren, speaking from the climate conference in Bali.

The positive trend of lower emissions from housing and services has continued. These emissions have decreased by more than 50 per cent since 1990. Oil for heating has been replaced by district heating and in recent years also by heat pumps and burning pellets.

Emissions from the transport sector are decreasing for the first time for many years. The rising curve of emissions from road transport appears to be levelling off.

"The Swedish example shows how important it is to let carbon dioxide emissions cost and for the polluter to pay. These trends show that it was right to raise the tax on carbon dioxide," says Mr Carlgren.

Emissions from international shipping and aviation continue to increase and in 2006 were approximately 2.5 times as high as in 1990. These emissions are not covered by the Kyoto Protocol or included in the figures that Sweden provides to the EU and the UNFCCC.

See all the figures on the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency website.