Sweden does not reach its 16 environmental goals - but some trends are moving in the right direction

The Riksdag decided on Sweden's 16 environmental goals in 1999, but more than a quarter of a century later things look bleak, according to an analysis that is done every four years.

- It is clear that we are not satisfied. The goal is for us to achieve all the environmental goals. But the environmental goals are visionary in nature, says Sabina Vinnmyr and likens them to the goal that no one should die in traffic.

Among the goals that are blocked and where development goes poorly, climate impact, living forests and a rich flora and fauna can be mentioned. In some cases, these are global goals, where Sweden's opportunities to influence are limited.

Most of the other goals, such as teeming wetlands and good quality groundwater, will also not be reached, but there the development trend is neutral.

For a couple of the goals, things are going in the right direction. The Environmental Protection Agency considers that fresh air can be partially achieved.

- We want to show that the efforts that have been made have nevertheless produced results. We have also managed to reverse the trend within certain parts of the targets, says Vinnmyr.

Another goal where things are going in the right direction is acidification. It will certainly not be achieved, but international agreements have reduced emissions into the air - which has had a positive effect on acidification in Sweden.

- We have worked for 40 years to turn this around, so it can take a very long time. But now we see that things are going in the right direction. You must not give up, but you must continue to work with what you see gives results.

Now the status of the 16 environmental goals will be summarized in a report with recommendations that will land on the government's table in January.

- The most important thing is to continue with the efforts that produce results and to deploy policy instruments and efforts where things are going in the wrong direction, says Vinnmyr.