Statistics release from SCB May 11, 2023, 8.00 am
Greenhouse gas emissions from the Swedish economy are decreasing by 3 percent compared to the previous year. The decrease can be seen in several parts of the economy and is mainly due to emission reductions from household personal car transport, the manufacturing industry, and the energy sector.
“Our calculations of preliminary greenhouse gas emissions in 2022 show a reduction in emissions from the Swedish economy by 1.5 million tonnes compared to the previous year. This is after emissions increased in 2021 after low levels in 2020 when the coronavirus pandemic began. The emissions reduction in 2022 is visible in almost all industries except the transport industry, where we still have a slight increase,” said Axel Ehrling, analyst at SCB’s environmental accounts.
Emissions from the entire Swedish economy decreased by 3 percent in 2022 compared to the previous year and amounted to 49.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents. This is according to preliminary emission statistics for the full year 2022 (summed quarters). During the same period, GDP increased by 2.6 percent. This means that emission intensity, measured as emissions per krona of value added in the economy, continues to decrease.
Both 2020 and 2021 were years dominated by the coronavirus pandemic, which affected emission levels. Emissions increased in 2021 compared to the previous year, but 2022 again shows a reduction in emissions. If we compare greenhouse gas emissions in 2022 with the year before the pandemic, 2019, emissions are 9 percent lower.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Economic Development, GDP in Market Prices and Fixed Prices Base Year 2021, 2008–2022, Index 2008 = 100 Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Economic Development, GDP in Market Prices and Fixed Prices Base Year 2021, 2008–2022, Index 2008 = 100
Summary of developments for the full year 2022 The emissions reduction can be seen in several industries such as the manufacturing industry, energy sector, and from household fuel use. Percentages are in comparison to the previous year, unless otherwise stated. Emissions are greenhouse gas emissions and measured in kilotons of carbon dioxide equivalents unless otherwise stated.
In the transportation industry (SNI H49-H53), emissions increased by 780 kilotons, equivalent to a 12 percent increase. Airlines (SNI H51) account for the largest increase. Emissions also increase from shipping (SNI H50) but decrease from road transport (SNI H49). Emissions from private consumption, i.e., household emissions that primarily arise from fuel consumption, decrease by 7 percent, which is a reduction of 610 kilotons. This is mainly due to reduced greenhouse gas emissions from diesel use. Emissions from the manufacturing industry (SNI C10-C33) decreased by 3 percent, equivalent to 450 kilotons. At the same time, value added in the entire manufacturing industry increased by 9 percent. Emissions reductions are mainly seen in refineries, the chemical and pharmaceutical industry (SNI C19-C21), and the rubber and plastics industry (SNI C22-C23). In electricity, gas and heat generation, and water, sewage, and waste management (SNI D35-E39), emissions decreased by 5 percent, equivalent to 390 kilotons.