Press release
10 February 2012
Ministry of the Environment
Minister for the Environment Lena Ek to visit Washington
Minister for the Environment Lena Ek will be in Washington on 15-16 February. Along with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Ms Ek will be launching, on 16 February, a global initiative to reduce emissions of short-lived climate forcers
The Government is working actively to reduce emissions and formation of short-lived climate forcers. Short-lived climate forcers (SLCFs) is a collective term for black carbon particles, ozone and methane. These substances stay in the atmosphere a short time compared with, for example, carbon dioxide, which has a very long-term impact on the climate. Measures that reduce emissions therefore have a relatively rapid effect.
- "Reducing concentrations of black carbon, methane and ozone in the atmosphere has positive benefits for the climate and air quality, as well as for health and vegetation. In addition, it has a positive impact on agricultural production of important crops," says Ms Ek.
Together, Sweden, Bangladesh, Canada, Ghana, Mexico and the United States have initiated a global partnership for reduced SLCF emissions.
- "Because these substances are short-lived, cutting emissions of them has a rapid effect," says Ms Ek.
The launch will take place on 16 February at 9.30 am at the US Department of State, Ben Franklin State Dining Room.
Contact
Erik BratthallPress Secretary
+46 8 405 10 00
+46 72 743 31 57
email to Erik Bratthall, via the Senior registry clerk
