In it together
If the Nordic countries were to co-ordinate their future energy, climate, and air pollution strategies it would provide significant benefits for the environment and community planning. This is the result of a Nordic study co-ordinated by IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute.
Bigger benefits through working together shows new report (Foto: Istockphoto)
The study, funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers, was carried out in collaboration between the research institutes in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.
Imperfect future climate strategies include a risk for conflicts between air quality and climate change issues. For example, the increased use of bio fuels, which is the goal in many climate strategies, could risk increasing the emissions of fine particles, which is damaging to public health.
"An integrated approach to energy, air, and climate would make it easier for the Nordic countries to achieve national and Nordic environmental objectives," says Stefan Åström, Project Manager from IVL.
If the Nordic countries have common energy, climate and air pollution strategies in the future, the environmental situation can be improved in a number of areas. This would also facilitate the Nordic countries' commitment under various international environmental agreements such as UNECE, CLRTAP, EU CAFE and UNFCCC.
In addition to the environmental advantages, the study also suggests that the Nordic countries would be able to achieve additional benefits from co-operation in strategy work. There are always significant uncertainties in scenario and strategy work, but for the Nordic countries there are major advantages in continuing to reduce these through more co-operation and joint forecasting, for example, on fuel prices and energy needs. For more information please contact Stefan Astrom, tel. 031-725 62 05.
Read the report 'Nordic low CO2 emissions scenarios - implemented in the GAINS model'
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