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This third OECD Environmental Performance Review confirms that Sweden remains a front-runner in environmental policy and has developed approaches that will be of interest to other countries. However, the report highlights that Sweden will have to step up its efforts if it is to achieve its ambitious environmental targets, including the goal of zero net greenhouse gas emissions by the second half of the century. The burden of achieving these objectives will also have to be more equitably shared to maintain the necessary high level of public support.
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Sweden has a sound, innovation-oriented economy built on rich reserves of timber, iron ore and hydropower, a strong industrial base and a highly skilled labour force. The population enjoys a high standard of living thanks to high income, low inequality and good environmental quality. Water supply, wastewater treatment and waste management services reach high standards. Less than 1% of municipal waste is disposed of in landfills, while the rates of recycling and recovery are high. However, generation of municipal waste grew by 16% between 2000 and 2012. The carbon intensity of the economy is the second lowest among OECD member countries as renewables and nuclear energy cover more than two-thirds of Sweden’s energy needs. Emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) have declined and have been decoupled from economic growth. Emissions of most air pollutants have also decreased and air quality is generally good, with just a few exceptions in some cities. Protected natural areas have been expanded to reach about 14% of land area and inland waters and 6% of marine waters, although the conservation status of some habitats and species is relatively unfavourable. Several freshwater bodies, most marine ecosystems and the Baltic Sea suffer from eutrophication.
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