Combining Economic Growth with Environmental Sustainability

Legislation as well as environmental awareness have made Swedish companies both innovative and efficient in their operations. Low-impact production techniques, in particular within industrial production, are often exported to other countries. Sweden aims to be a leader in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development—both nationally and globally. The coronavirus pandemic has made the importance of addressing pressing global challenges, such as climate change, even more evident.

BECOMING THE FIRST FOSSIL-FREE NATION
Sweden has managed to significantly increase its GDP while lowering its greenhouse gas emissions. Between 1990 and 2018, Swedish GDP grew by 85% while emissions from Swedish territory fell by 27%. The Swedish government has set ambitious goals for sustainability, including becoming the first fossil-free welfare state, reaching net-zero emissions by 2045, and relying on 100% renewable energy. The Swedish green model means integrating business and sustainability. Together with its Nordic neighbors, Sweden has shown how green growth can drive transition through technical innovation.

​​​​​​​TRANSITIONING TO A CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Approximately half of the world’s climate emissions, and more than 90% of the world’s water shortages and biodiversity losses, result from inefficient resource management. Using materials more efficiently increases their lifespan and value, and reduces landfill waste and the extraction of new raw materials. Sweden has adopted a national strategy for a circular economy that is smarter, is better for the environment, and creates opportunities for new jobs, innovations, and sustainable businesses.

Cities around the world are growing, and more people are moving from rural to urban areas. Almost 70% of the world’s population is expected to live in cities by 2050, and as cities continue to grow, they need to develop in ways that are resident-friendly and sustainable. Smart cities use information and communication technologies to improve the quality, performance, and interactivity of local government services; reduce costs and resource consumption; and improve relations between citizens and government authorities. The coronavirus pandemic has further shown the possibilities of designing more decentralized and sustainable cities and communities.

The Swedish journey toward net-zero emissions is underway.

The Fossil Free Sweden initiative has encouraged business sectors to set their own goals and road maps for how to lower their emissions and contribute to achieving the Paris Agreement targets. In these road maps, industries describe when and how they will reach their goals, what technological solutions need to be developed, what investments need to be made, and what obstacles need to be removed.