The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Swedish EPA) coordinates follow-up, provision of information and the use of economic impact assessments within the environmental objectives system. In addition, it is responsible for some of the individual environmental quality objectives.
Follow-up and evaluation
Every year, the Swedish EPA presents an overall assessment of the prospects of meeting the environmental quality objectives and the milestone targets. At least once every parliamentary term, it presents an in-depth evaluation of the prospects of achieving the environmental quality objectives. These reports are prepared in collaboration with other relevant government agencies. The work on which they are based is led by the Swedish EPA, through a joint review group made up of representatives of agencies with responsibilities within the environmental objectives system, together with county administrative boards, the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions, business organisations and NGOs.
Environmental information
The Swedish EPA collects the basic data needed to follow up progress in safeguarding and improving the environment. It does so, on the one hand, by regularly monitoring the state of the environment and, on the other, by obtaining data from agencies with responsibilities within the environmental objectives system and from official statistics, international reporting and research.
The Swedish EPA supports the stakeholders involved in the environmental objectives system in their efforts to develop the provision of information and ensure that it is effective.
Economic impact assessments
In addition, the Swedish EPA coordinates the use of economic impact assessments within the environmental objectives system. These assessments are intended to shed light on the various balances that need to be struck by means of policy decisions.
Responsible for seven environmental quality objectives
The Swedish EPA also has a specific responsibility for seven of the environmental quality objectives. That means that it is responsible for coordination, development, follow-up, evaluation, reporting and information relating to these seven objectives.
The environmental quality objectives for which the Swedish EPA is responsible are:
- Reduced Climate Impact
- Clean Air
- Natural Acidification Only
- A Protective Ozone Layer
- Thriving Wetlands
- A Magnificent Mountain Landscape
- A Rich Diversity of Plant and Animal Life