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This paper explores the application of the Index of Sustainable Economic Welfare (ISEW) to Sweden between 1950 and 1992. It examines the similarities and differences between these results, and those from other countries, and the implications of this for both the Index itself, and for environmental and economic policy-making in Sweden.
National economic performance is not necessarily the same thing as sustainable welfare. A number of social and environmental factors contribute to welfare, but remain excluded by conventional measures of economic performance such as the Gross National Product (GNP).
To remedy this, an Index of Sustainable Economic Welfare (ISEW) was developed for the United States. The same methodology has since been applied to a number of other developed countries including the UK, Germany, Austria and the Netherlands. The purpose of the present paper is to explore the application of the ISEW methodology to Sweden over the period between 1950 and 1992.
Preliminary results presented here indicate that some of the conclusions from earlier studies also hold for Sweden: in particular that, in the later years of the study, ISEW tends to stabilise in spite of continued growth in GNP. But there are also significant differences between Sweden and other countries. The paper discusses the implications of these differences both for the ISEW methodology and for environmental and economic policy-making in Sweden.
Perspective / Trase’s co-directors write about the benefits and limitations of Trase data in assisting companies and governments in their efforts to implement the EUDR.
Project / Public meals are vital in Sweden's welfare system, but 20% is wasted. We test solutions to cut food waste in schools and hospitals.
Project / Household food waste contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Urgent action is needed for Sweden to reduce it by 25% before 2025.
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