Scandinavia is ahead of the pack when it comes to operating with a better world in mind – yet not all is good.
In a previous article we looked at Sweden, which tops the table in prioritizing the environment and sustainability, and here we feature Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway, which all make the top ten.
Finland
Ups: There are 13,000 trees per person in Finland (five million population), which boasts some of the cleanest air in the world.
Downs The mining industry faces criticism for environmental damage, and ageing water and sewage networks have led to water quality issues and harmful substances in groundwater.
Interesting facts: Children only go indoors at school when they are aged seven or it is colder than -20°C in the forests, largely learning and bonding outdoors.
Initiatives: More than 92 per cent of Finland’s energy production is based on low-carbon or clean sources. It aims to be carbon-neutral by 2035.It is committed to phasing out coal by 2029 and halving peat consumption by 2030. Green building practices aim to reduce the carbon footprint of construction.
Problems: There are rare earth minerals, but they are mined so there is potential for long-term ecological damage, water and air pollution, which causes conflict with communities and reindeer herding practices.
Norway
Ups: Its Sovereign Wealth Fund holds more than 9,000 investments in 70 countries and is crucial for long-term economic stability.
Downs Climate change impacts on wildlife and agriculture, pollution from industrial and agricultural activities, and concerns about the expansion of renewable energy projects such as hydropower.
Interesting facts: In 1969 the discovery of the offshore Ekofisk oil field led to a substantial boost in Norway’s economy and petroleum industry, increasing GDP, generating substantial government revenues and investments in various sectors. A large portion of this wealth went into the Government Pension Fund, which pays for health and education.
Initiatives: The country aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2030 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55pc by 2030.
Norway is one of the most renewable energy-producing countries in Europe.
More than 80pc of new passenger cars are electric.
Cultural policy is aligned with social sustainability, addressing social and economic disparities.
Problems: High material consumption and reliance on fossil fuels. Melting glaciers and warmer waters affect agriculture and fisheries.
Reliance on oil and gas extraction, plus high material consumption and waste generation.
Deep-sea mining, while offering economic benefits, raises concerns about the impacts on marine ecosystems.
Iceland
Ups: Iceland aims to be carbon neutral by 2040 and to cut greenhouse gas emisisons by 40 per cent by 2030.
Downs Soil erosion, climate change impacts and pollution, especially around Reykjavík. These are exacerbated by the unique ecosystems and geological and geographical features, such as volcanic activity and volatile soils.
Interesting facts: Vast quantities of carbon are naturally stored in rocks and Carbfix imitates and accelerates the process by providing a complete carbon capture and injection solution.
Initiatives: Iceland relies heavily on renewable energy sources such as geothermal and hydropower, and is promoting environmentally conscious tourism practices.
Problems: It is vulnerable to the rapid retreat of glaciers, sea-level rise, changes in precipitation patterns and ocean acidification, which negatively impacts shell-building marine life. Localized air pollution, largely around Reykjavík, due to hydrogen sulfide emissions from geothermal power plants. Dust storms and volcanic ash also contribute.
Denmark
Ups: Taxes are high, but health care and university are free.
Sixty per cent of electricity is generated through wind turbines, of which the biggest in the world - the same size as the Eiffel Tower - powers 20,000 homes.
Research is taking place into making hydrogen powerful enough to fuel large vehicles through wind generated electricity.
Downs Forced integration and mixed neighbourhoods, with people classed as “non-western”, has created ghettoes.
Interesting facts: Trust accounts for 25pc of Danish wealth. Ninety per cent of people join clubs, many of which are government subsidised.
Initiatives: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly through the shift from coal to natural gas and renewables. It aims for net-zero emissions by 2045.
A Danish Tourism Board video highlights how easy it is for visitors to make green choices, with options for sustainable accommodation, dining and transportation.
Problems: Biodiversity is under pressure, and a significant portion of nature is in a poor condition. Also, big challenges remain in meeting water quality objectives.
Agriculture is dominant and has a considerable impact on the environment.
