WHO Conference on Air Pollution and Health - Swedish intervention on plenary session

Thank you for giving me this opportunity to outline the Swedish perspective, a country with a relatively favorable situation. However despite this we take air pollution very seriously.

The parliament has passed a new Public Health Bill and a new Climate Act with a long-term target that Sweden by 2045 is to have zero net emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which will have a clear positive effect on air quality and health.

The most severe problems occur in cities and within the transportation system and I will share a few examples of actions:

• ·       A bonus-malus system has been introduced where vehicles with low emissions of carbon dioxide will qualify for bonus on purchase while high emission cars will be taxed at a higher rate.
• ·       Two full scale test facilities for electric roads are in operation today.
• ·       Local authorities are allowed to introduce low emission zones in cities also covering light vehicles.
• ·       A premium for purchase of electric vehicles has been introduced. 

In addition….

• ·       financial incentives have been introduced to support the transition of industry to lower emission levels.

Thank you!