Sweden highlighting issues surrounding the environment
Climate change, eco-efficient economy, biodiversity and the marine environment, are the issues that Sweden will be highlighting in the area of environment during the Swedish Presidency of the EU.
Climate change
During the presidency, Sweden will be working to reach a continued consensus on the climate negotiations within the EU and to increased mutual trust between different parts of the world. Sweden´s objective is to unite EU Member States around an ambitious policy that lives up to the expectations the rest of the world has on the EU prior to the next round of international negotiations. The Kyoto Protocol contains undertakings on emission reductions up until 2012. Decisions on new undertakings for the 2012–2020 period are to be adopted at the UN climate meeting in Copenhagen in December 2009. As president of the EU Council of Ministers, Sweden has a special responsibility for the EU’s continued leadership at the Copenhagen negotiations.
Eco-efficient economy
During the Swedish Presidency, Sweden will discuss how Europe can develop into an eco-efficient economy at meetings with EU ministers responsible for the environment, energy and competitiveness. The aim is to counter those who argue that Europe should first solve the economic crisis and become more competitive so that it then can afford to implement environmental and climate measures at a later date. Sweden wishes to demonstrate examples of how environmental and climate challenges can be met at the same time as improving our competitiveness.
Biological diversity
As regards biological diversity, Sweden will endeavour during Sweden’s presidency to ensure that the EU highlights the key role ecosystems play in people’s well-being. Sweden also wants to highlight the serious economic impact of lost biodiversity. The UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a global agreement on the preservation and sustainable use of the Earth’s biodiversity. A meeting of the parties in October 2010 will evaluate the aim of the convention; to stem the loss of biodiversity by 2010. The startingpoint for the EU’s efforts in preparation for the meeting of the parties is a review of the EU’s action plan to implement the convention.
The marine environment
Our seas are areas requiring international cooperation, although international environmental efforts to protect the marine environment have often been neglected. Sweden supports the European Commission’s efforts to draw up a strategy for the Baltic Sea region. This strategy is due to be presented in June 2009 and, regarding the environment, will include proposals for measures to implement HELCOM’s Baltic Sea Action Plan. During the Swedish EU presidency, the Environment Council will discuss the environmental components of the strategy for the Baltic Sea region. Sweden is also working to ensure the Baltic Sea is designated a special pilot region, where we can forge ahead with measures in order to implement the European Marine Strategy Directive.
Topics: biodiversity, climate change, eco efficient economy, emission reductions, environment, Governance, marine environment, marine life, Sweden
Print This Article in Plain Text
|
|
Latest Headlines
- Osama Bin Laden Dead?
- Florida To Share $1 Billion For Gulf Coast Restoration Efforts
- Texas Prays For Rain During Extreme Drought Conditions
- Governor Christie Takes Action To Reduce Diesel Emissions, Improve Air Quality
- Governor McDonnell Outlines Draft Transportation Improvement Program
- Alaska Energy Bill Passes Legislature
- Illinois State Building Receives ENERGY STAR Award
- Homeland Security Begins Using National Terrorism Advisory System
- U.S. Outlines New Health Insurance Options For Graduating College Students
- Electrolux Expands In North Carolina, To Create 200 Jobs In Charlotte
- Virginia Storm Victims To Receive Tax Extension
- U.S. Expands Broadband Investment For Rural Areas To Accelerate Job Creation
- U.S. To Invest $130 Million For Advanced Energy Research
- Michigan Passes “I’m Sorry” Bill
- Kentucky Sells Two State Aircraft To Save Taxpayer Dollars
