Carbon dioxide emissions in Sweden 2000-2018
Sweden has long been recognized as an environmental leader, so it is no surprise that the country has some of the lowest carbon dioxide (CO2) emission levels in Europe. Between 2004 and 2018, Sweden saw its CO2 emissions decrease from a high of 64 million metric tons of CO2 to 44.8 million. In 2016, Sweden emitted approximately 4,577 kilograms of CO2 per capita. Only four other countries in the EU had lower levels.
Renewable shares keep growing
One reason for Sweden’s low emission levels is the increasing reliance on renewable energy. In 2012, Sweden surpassed its 2020 target of 49 percent energy generation from renewable sources. Since then, the renewable share of total energy consumption has further increased and amounted to just under 55 percent in 2017. The following infographic shows just how far ahead Sweden was in 2016 when compared to the rest of Europe in terms of reaching national 2020 renewable targets.
Taking emissions seriously
It is not just renewable energy that will assist in Sweden reducing emissions. In addition to the most stringent carbon taxes in Europe, it is also hoped that low carbon vehicles will help too. In 2018, the market share of newly registered electric passenger vehicles was higher than in the majority of European nations, at eight percent.
Renewable shares keep growing
One reason for Sweden’s low emission levels is the increasing reliance on renewable energy. In 2012, Sweden surpassed its 2020 target of 49 percent energy generation from renewable sources. Since then, the renewable share of total energy consumption has further increased and amounted to just under 55 percent in 2017. The following infographic shows just how far ahead Sweden was in 2016 when compared to the rest of Europe in terms of reaching national 2020 renewable targets.
Taking emissions seriously
It is not just renewable energy that will assist in Sweden reducing emissions. In addition to the most stringent carbon taxes in Europe, it is also hoped that low carbon vehicles will help too. In 2018, the market share of newly registered electric passenger vehicles was higher than in the majority of European nations, at eight percent.
