A Swedish Strategy for Sustainable Development – Economic, Social and Environmental.

The Swedish Strategy for Sustainable Economic, Social and Environmental Development is a national strategy which addresses the three dimensions of sustainable development: economic, social and environmental. It builds on the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg, the EU strategy for sustainable development and the so-called Lisbon process. It sets out three overarching objectives: poverty reduction, promotion of sustainable consumption and production patterns and preservation of the natural resource base for economic and social development. Government efforts are based on eight core areas: the future environment; limitation of climate change; population and public health; social cohesion, welfare and security; employment and learning in a knowledge society; sustainable economic growth and competitiveness; regional development and regional conditions; development of sustainable community planning. Within this context, four issues of strategic importance to the future of sustainable development are identified: a) Environmentally driven growth and welfare; b) Good health; c) Coherent policies for sustainable community planning; d) Child and youth policies for an ageing society.
Regarding environmentally driven growth, the strategy focuses on ecological sustainability and sets forth specific goals relating to nature conservation and biological diversity, ensuring a balanced marine environment and a living coastline and archipelago, a non-toxic environment through the reduction in the use of hazardous substances. Further the strategy aims at contributing to the reduction of greenhouse emissions.
The document further seeks to make agriculture, forestry and fisheries more productive and sustainable. Specific actions are foreseen with respect to forest resources, so as to ensure their sustainable use. Regarding agriculture, more funding will be made available for environmental and rural development. Measures aimed at ensuring that animal feed is not harmful to humans, animals or the environment have been given priority.
In the field of energy, Sweden’s short- and long-term energy policy goal is to ensure access to electricity and other forms of energy on competitive terms. Adverse effects on health, the environment and the climate must be kept to a minimum. Alternative policy solutions to nuclear power include more efficient energy use, a transition to renewable types of energy and environmentally acceptable electricity production methods. The use of fossil fuels should be kept to a minimum. The use of renewable energy sources and programmes aimed at enhancing energy efficiency will be encouraged with the help of various financial support schemes.
Regarding public health, the strategy states that a healthy environment and high public health standards are interdependent. Actions to ensure a sustainable social protection system are foreseen. Pressing objectives include greater public participation and empowerment, economic and social protection, secure, favourable conditions for children to grow up in, improved health in working life, effective protection against communicable diseases, healthier eating habits and lifestyles, including increased physical activity. Special attention is given to food consumption: food must be safe; consumers must be adequately informed about food and the significance of eating habits for ecologically, socially and economically sustainable development; trading enterprises and producers must also assume their share of responsibility.