Water Quality in Sweden: An Effective Model

With a national growth in population and a changing environment, access to sanitary water has dwindled and become sporadic across the world. The amount of water in the world is finite, yet there remains a high demand. The suitable supply and water quality in Sweden stand as a role model for the rest of the world.

Quality
An OECD survey of average satisfaction with local water quality reports the world average is about 81 percent, yet Sweden’s satisfaction levels top that at 95 percent. Because half of Sweden’s water supply comes from lakes and running water, with the other half being groundwater, their water requires minimal purification.

In addition to their natural extraction methods, Sweden has also enacted programs to ensure adequate water quality. The 2007 to 2013 rural development program granted SEK 510 million to aid agriculture by minimizing nutrient leaching. A study of 65 streams shows a decrease in the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus in bodies of water that surround agricultural fields, due to restrictions on the use of these harmful fertilizers.

Water quality in Sweden relates not only to sanitary drinking water, but also to the health of crops and lifeforms in aquatic environments. Thus, the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management allotted SEK 310 million for water management, fish conservation and the protection of threatened species. Sweden identifies that human-made substances are detrimental to the quality of water and has adopted the Non-Toxic Environment objective to ensure an environment free of all chemicals created by man that threaten the environment.

Supply
Sweden remains one of few countries with a vast number of large reservoirs, providing Swedes with a guaranteed resource for freshwater. Other countries are not as lucky to have such a reliable source of quality water, so a part of Sweden’s success lies with the country’s natural foundation.

However, reservoirs can be manmade, giving other less fortunate countries a valid option to gain more reliable access to water. All of Europe’s reservoirs combined grant its people with 20 percent of their overall water usage.

Even further, various parts of Sweden have suffered from droughts or flooding. The irregular weather causes farmers to relocate or to increase irrigation practices. Increases in precipitation have caused negative health effects. The excessive amount of water causes sewage overflow, leading to waterborne diseases. A study in the U.S. demonstrated that 51 percent of waterborne disease outbreaks occurred right after heavy rainfall.

Sweden has implemented programs to ensure the supply of water remains sustainable. The government focuses on protecting bodies of water, since these lakes and reservoirs make up a great percentage of the country’s water. In 2010, they enacted laws to restrict water usage and minimize the overall demand for water. The EU Water Framework Directive incorporated water efficiency plans and water resource management. Although Sweden’s percentage of water gained is on the rise, they are still working to conserve it and lower their demand for quality water.

Perhaps other countries, developing and developed alike, can take Sweden’s lifestyle regarding water into account as the nation works to conserve its suitable water.

– Brianna White

Photo: Flickr

Causes of Poverty in Sweden Mitigated by Strong Policy

Sweden is a nation in northern Europe that is home to about 10 million people. One of Sweden’s defining characteristics is its neutrality. Formerly a military power, it has been more than 200 years since Sweden has gone to war. This is not the nation’s only impressive accomplishment. Sweden’s other notable claim to fame is its robust economy. Overall, the economy is very strong, and measures have been enacted to reduce and alleviate the causes of poverty in Sweden.

Some statistics about Sweden’s economy:
• In 2016, the nation’s GDP was $511 billion
• The nation’s unemployment rate is about 6 percent

One strength that enables Sweden’s economy to achieve as much as it does is how easy the nation makes doing business. In fact, Forbes rated Sweden as the best country in the world for business in 2017. By comparison, the U.S., an undeniable economic power, is ranked 23rd. Some of the factors that Forbes took into consideration were innovation, taxes, technology, levels of bureaucracy and stock market performance.

Another factor that allows for Sweden’s economic success is its interest in defending and promoting gender equality. In 2016, the World Economic Forum created its Global Gender Gap Index and showed the progress that Sweden has made in this area. According to the index, Sweden trails just three nations, Iceland, Finland and Norway, in terms of gender equality. While economic gain may not be the first thing you think of when you improved gender equality, it really is the case. The European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) believes in a very simple cause and effect relationship: “If the EU stepped up its efforts to improve gender equality, more jobs would be created, GDP per capita would increase and society would be able to adjust better to the challenges related to the ageing population.”

These and other actions have limited the causes of poverty in Sweden and ensure a good quality of life for its citizens.

– Adam Braunstein

Photo: Pixabay

Human Rights in Sweden: A Model for the Rest of the World

As the first country to legislate freedom of the press in 1766, Sweden has had a history of being a vanguard for human rights for hundreds of years. Human rights in Sweden are a top priority for both its citizens and its government. With its seat on the U.N. Security Council and the establishment of the Human Rights Watch offices within its borders, Sweden sets a remarkable example for other developed countries to follow for upholding human rights.

The strong human rights record in Sweden is due to its governmental determination in uplifting its humanitarian tenets, include fighting discrimination, protecting the rule of law, building democracy and strengthening freedom of expression. Government officials fervently believe in protecting human rights in Sweden because it promotes global development and national security. In 2008, the Swedish government took detailed measures towards eradicating discrimination as much as possible by mandating that human rights must be incorporated into all realms of foreign policy.

Sweden’s international leadership in human rights is a defining characteristic of the country’s view on foreign policy. Given that extensive laws protect Sweden’s citizens within its borders, the country’s current agenda is to protect these rights abroad and to introduce laws that protect those whose rights are not as guaranteed. Sweden assists various international organizations such as the United Nations in extending human rights to those living in developing countries.

In order to combat domestic discrimination, the Swedish government introduced the Swedish Discrimination Act of 2009. It counters discrimination in professional and educational sectors by allowing compensation to be given to those who have experienced discrimination. Although Sweden exerts significant effort to protect human rights, there are still certain demographics that its legislation is not protecting completely. Specific groups that have been targeted include Roma, African, and Muslim Swedes. However, the Swedish government is aware of these reports and strives to assist those who encounter discrimination. According to Sweden’s official website, “Human rights largely begin at home. As Sweden strives to walk its talk, it is important to ensure that the values promoted abroad are upheld at home.”

– Kaitlin Hocker

Photo: Flickr

Water Quality in Sweden

Since 1990, Sweden has been working toward reducing the acidification of lake water and reaching its renewable energy goal of 50 percent by 2020. The Scandinavian country ensures that the drinking water conforms to National Food Administration requirements before being released for public consumption.

The water quality in Sweden is currently at a very high standard. The lake water passes through various stages of purification before it is distributed as drinking water. In the initial stage of purification, the water is decontaminated with mechanical and chemical methods. The second stage leads the water through “slow sand filters that extract the remaining organic pollutants.” Once the water is purified of contaminants, it is processed into the distribution network.

According to ClimateChangePost (CCP), which publishes the most recent information on climate change and adaption, water quality in Sweden could face considerable consequences due to climate change. Half of Sweden’s local water supply is derived from the 95,700 lakes and watercourses that dominate its landscape. The other half is extracted from groundwater.

Climate change projections indicate that more frequent heavy rainfall will elevate levels of sewage overflow. The U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health published an article identifying the link between extreme precipitation and the outbreak of waterborne disease. The study analyzed the time period 1948 to 1994 and demonstrates that “51 percent of waterborne disease outbreaks were preceded by incidences of heavy rain.” This is in part because contaminated raw water creates widespread health risks, such as microbiological growth.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reported that microscopic parasites, Cryptosporidium, were found in Östersund’s drinking water during an outbreak of gastroenteritis in November 2010. Cryptosporidium was found in 174 cases of the 700 cases of gastroenteritis. Located in northern Sweden, Östersund’s drinking water tested positive for Cryptosporidium.

On Mar. 30, 2017, the drinking water in Stockholm received a Certification of Quality by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The certificate states that the drinking water in Stockholm City is of “high and consistent quality.” The water is sourced from Lake Mälaren, Lovö and Norsborg.

With close monitoring of climate changes and scientific studies, it is hopeful Sweden’s water supply will continue to produce high-quality drinking water.

– Madison O’Connell

Photo: Flickr

Poverty in Sweden

Poverty in Sweden? By most countries standards, not really. With a population of almost 10 million people, Sweden is a capitalist country in the European Union. Poverty in Sweden is an issue the government addresses through a variety of social safety net programs, such as welfare and publicly-owned housing.

Sweden is a parliamentary democracy. The government maintains a policy of transparency, allowing all Swedish citizens to view government documents on publicly available archives.

The Swedish Social Democratic Party, which has been part of the country’s ruling coalition government since 2014, is committed to improving the lives of the Swedish people. According to its website, “Everyone should be able to live a better life, feel the freedom and optimism. Therefore, we are investing in more jobs and a better education for all.”

To fight poverty in Sweden, the government employs social welfare programs that target education, employment and social security. The public school system in Sweden gives all children the opportunity to receive an education at no direct cost to their families. Education in Sweden is compulsory, starting with preschool at age 6 and ending after the ninth grade.

Higher education is optional, and high school gradutes can choose between vocational training and university-preparation paths. Government agencies cover special education needs and vocational training demands and make sure schools are up to parr.

The Swedish Ministry of Employment functions both as an executor of national labor policy and as an agency to promote full employment. During the early 1990s, Sweden suffered a recession in which employment declined by 12 percent in four years. In the midst of this crisis, the government focused on stabilizing the workforce through employment and continuing education policies.

When immigrants arrive in Sweden, the government participates in their integration by helping them gain employment or education for employment. These measures have become especially important in recent days, as some reports approximate that Sweeden has taken in 1,500 Syrian refugees per week. The government recently decided to slow the influx of refugees into the country.

Social safety nets play an important role in maintaining the Swedish people’s financial security. The government provides benefits like child and housing allowances, which lessen people’s financial burdens during difficult times. Social care focuses on helping citizens remain active members of their communities, and encouraging independence is a priority in caring for the elderly and disabled.

Among the many state-owned enterprises, the government provides affordable, subsidized housing for the country’s poor. Housing policies in Sweden are meant to promote sound community development, a key component of the social safety net. Subsidized housing commonly rents for less than the average market value. Today, the public housing sector is municipally owned and provides access to affordable housing to over 1.5 million people.

Fast Facts About Poverty in Sweden:

• Fourteen percent of Sweden’s population lived below the poverty line in 2011.
• Sweden’s infant mortality rate is 2.6 deaths for every 1,000 births.
• Virtually all Swedish citizens have access to improved drinking water sources and sanitation facilities.
• Only 100 Swedish people are estimated to die from HIV/AIDS every year.
• Primary to tertiary education expectancy is 17 years for males and 20 years for females.
• Sweden’s youth unemployment rate was 22.9 percent in 2014, and its adult unemployment rate was 7.4 percent in 2015, down from 7.9 percent in 2014.

Sweden’s safety net programs, from social welfare to public housing, provide a buffer against extreme poverty. Though the country’s intake of refugees from the Syrian refugee crisis could pose difficulties for the government going forward, the social infrastructure of the Swedish welfare state is in a strong position to continue providing for its people.

– Lucas Woodling

Photo: Flickr