Human influence on nature in Sweden. Continuation of essays about Sweden

Sweden (officially called the Kingdom of Sweden) is a state located in northern Europe on the Scandinavian Peninsula (Scandinavian Peninsula). The area of ​​the entire territory of Sweden is about 449,964 km2, which is comparable to the area of ​​Uzbekistan. V Russian Federation about 38.5 Sweden would fit! Nevertheless, the Kingdom takes a well-deserved 5th place in terms of area in all of Europe after Russia, Ukraine, France and.

Few people know that Sweden is located beyond the Arctic Circle, which means in winter time here is a polar night, and in summer - a polar day. Polar night and day are phenomena in which the Sun practically does not set below the horizon or does not emerge from behind it for more than a day. In order to survive such periods, the inhabitants of the Kingdom have to take vitamins and fight a terrible reluctance to wake up early "at night" and fall asleep with the sun's rays beating in the face of the "day". But the Swedes do not lose heart and see the pluses in everything: they rejoice at the northern lights and the opportunity to launch beautiful fireworks at any time of the day, they are charged with energy and positive mood from the never leaving sun ...

Geographic location and geology

The length of the Swedish borders is 2233 km, while for the most part of its borders it “contacts” with the Kingdom of Norway (1619 km), then with Finland (615 km), and the rest is the water border with the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Botany, as well as with several bays separating Sweden and Denmark. The kingdom also owns 2 fairly large Baltic islands: Gotland and Eland, as well as several very small ones.

Terrain, volcanoes and mountains

Needless to say, Sweden is rich in tall mountains and volcanoes - there are only 12 peaks above 2000 meters, the highest of which is Kebnekaise. Height is this mountain range is 2106 meters above sea level. And there are no active (active) volcanoes in Sweden at all. Nevertheless, the Kingdom did not escape the "natural disaster" that happened not so long ago - in 2010. One of the volcanoes rich in seismic activity in Iceland under the name Eyjafjallajökull, which is difficult for a Russian-speaking person to pronounce, began to erupt in March of that year. The amount of ash emissions emitted into the atmosphere turned out to be incredible. A huge cloud of ash was carried by westerly winds towards Europe. After Iceland, sunlight was hidden from human eyes in Norway, Sweden, and then in almost all of Europe. Ashes settled quickly enough - less than a month after the incident, the sky above European countries was clean. Despite the rapid drop in emissions for several days, all of Europe ceased to communicate with the rest of the world by flights.

Hundreds of flights had to be canceled and rescheduled. This event is still remembered, many stories for news channels around the world were filmed about it. Some said that the ash cloud would reach Russia, but this never happened. Returning to the relief of the earth's crust, it is important to note that Sweden is not one large plain - although there are not very many mountains, there are more than enough hills and fields, rocks, lakes and rivers for such a small state. Wide coastlines behind which a fresh coniferous forest mysteriously froze. It hides forest dwellers going about their business, hides small villages, hides many tiny streams, rivers and lakes. An inspiring picture of a cold and secretive Northern European Kingdom immediately pops up in my head.

Climate

Sweden is located in two main climatic zones - subarctic (in the northern and eastern parts of the country) and temperate (in the southern and western parts). Most of the subarctic (as it is also called subpolar) part is occupied by glaciers, it is there that the polar days and nights are longer, and the northern lights are brighter. Parts with a temperate climate weather much softer. The main roles in shaping the climate of the small Kingdom were played by the Scandinavian mountains, which do not let in the winds that come from the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream, which brings moisture and heat to the cold northern country. Due to the high humidity in Sweden, there are many swamps, heavy rainfall and frequent fogs, giving the Kingdom that very Scandinavian mystery and perhaps even charm.

Reservoirs within the state, on its mainland

The whole world knows Sweden not only for foggy forests that seem to exude freshness, but also for a huge number of lakes. Only lakes occupy about 10% of the entire area of ​​​​the state, and yet it is also rich in other water bodies like rivers! There are more than 4,000 lakes in the Kingdom that are larger than 1 km2! It is difficult to imagine what their total number is, counting even the smallest, located in the middle of dense forests. Lake Venern is considered the largest in terms of area with a value of 5519 km2, and the deepest is Khurnavan, in order to reach the bottom of which you will have to dive 221 meters under water! The largest long rivers in Sweden there are only 7: Turneälven (522 km), Dalälven (520 km), Umeälven (470 km), Luleälven (461 km), Kaliksälven (461 km), Klarälven (460 km) and Indalselven (430 km). It is hard not to notice that at the end of each name of almost any river in the Kingdom there is a root -elven-, which in Swedish alven means "river".

Flora of the Kingdom of Sweden

Botanists share the whole vegetable world Scandinavian Kingdom into 5 separate vast "branches": the region of northern latitudes and mountain peaks; an area of ​​​​forests with trees that have crooked trunks, otherwise this territory is called "crooked forest"; an area of ​​coniferous forests in the north of the state, which is the most extensive in Sweden); area of ​​coniferous forests in the south of the state; area of ​​forests of pine and beech trees.

In addition to zonal natural areas, there are also azonal ones: for example, near numerous lakes, the vegetation is much richer, more lush than in places that are relatively arid for Sweden, in almost every swamp (which, by the way, together occupy about 14% of the entire area of ​​​​the Kingdom) and their environs there are its own special microflora, a unique flora. Different types of forest cover about 65% of the total area small country. If we add up these and the above data on the occupancy of the territory, such an amazing thing turns out: about 90% of the entire small kingdom is occupied by nature, the miraculous world, and only 10% is allotted settlements with a high number of people per square kilometer.

Some choose to live in the depths of dense forests, or more often on the shores of lonely small lakes in wooden huts. Many city dwellers often go to such places to get away from the bustle of the city, from a large number of people and constant distractions, “hide” in a quiet and peaceful place not far from a small village. Many are engaged in meditation or yoga, practice "communication with nature." In Sweden, there are a huge number of lonely hermits living in the wilds and devoting their lives only to themselves and nature.

The favorite "natural attraction" of tourists is one of the most ancient trees on our planet, whose age, according to scientists, is more than 2500 years, and its roots are even more - for about 9000 years they have not stopped their development and do not die so far! Its mass and volume are incomparable with anything on the planet, not considering inanimate nature and man-made structures - this tree is the absolute winner, because it is the heaviest and largest in size of all living organisms on Earth. The world's oldest giant sequoiadendron (the common name for the species of this amazing plant), scientists have given a separate "name" - General Sherman. It acquired this name back in 1879 thanks to Major General, later Army General William Tecumseh Sherman, who became famous in wide circles after civil war in the United States of America.

Fauna of Sweden

Various species of mammals in Sweden are quite scarce, but their number can be envied. In the northern part, especially in Lapland, seeing whole herds of reindeer is a common thing. In coniferous and deciduous forests, animals common to temperate climatic zones are found: foxes, hares, small rodents, martens, brown bears, lynxes with wolverines and other similar species.

With a variety of birds in the kingdom, things are much better - there are more than 340 species of them, but they do not differ in uniqueness - swans, gulls and ducks are a common thing for all northern European countries. The same "fate" befell the inhabitants of rivers, seas and lakes - there are about 160 species of fish, which, like birds and mammals, are found almost everywhere, for example, trout, perch, salmon ...

At first glance, it is inexplicable that one of the many species of mammals in Sweden is the American norm. Where did she even come from? The fact is that having brought an amazing animal from the United States, no one suspected that it could spread throughout Europe, but, refuting their assumptions, it happened. The population has risen faster than anyone could have expected, but now the American mink is the most common animal in Sweden, which now seems to have lived in their climate since the beginning of time.

Ecology and protection of nature

In the kingdom this moment inaugurated set national parks, as well as more than 1000 reserves. It became the first European state with a system of national parks - the first of these was opened already in the 9th year of the last century! The government has spent more than 400 million Swedish crowns (translated into rubles at the present exchange rate, 400 million crowns is approximately equal to 2.87349725 x 10 to the 9th power of rubles - an unimaginable amount) on research and environmental development in the country, in particular, largely on getting rid of harmful exhaust gases and air purification. I must say that all efforts were not in vain - Sweden is on the list of 10 most environmentally friendly countries in the world.

On the way to our final destination - the fjords of Norway - we never ceased to admire the pictures of the natural landscape in Sweden.
Sweden is one of the few European states where you can still see wildlife, landscapes untouched by civilization, and people who have been living in the harmonious rhythm of the change of seasons for centuries. At the same time, it is a rich country with a modern industry, whose products have become a symbol of impeccable quality, and the population is socially protected.
and lives in enviable prosperity for many.

This is one of the largest countries in Europe, characterized by a variety of natural and climatic conditions.
Here the contrast between the long summer days and equally long winter nights. In summer, the sun in some parts of northern Sweden and beyond the Arctic Circle does not leave the sky around the clock, and the white nights extend further south, where in June there are only short twilights at night.

A significant part of the Swedish landscape is represented by coniferous forests, in particular pine forests, as well as widely spread deciduous forests - birch, aspen - in the southern part of the country.
Some parts of the Scandinavian mountain range are distinguished by exotic flora, including, for example, numerous species of orchids.

In addition to magnificent landscapes, Sweden has a rich and varied wildlife - from bears and wolves in the north of the country to roe deer and wild boars in the south. The country also has a rich flora and aquatic life, further enriching its biodiversity.
Moose, roe deer, squirrels, hares, foxes, martens are found in the forests, in the northern taiga - lynxes, wolverines, brown bears. There are about 340 species of birds, and up to 160 species of fish.

wild cat

Sweden was the first in Europe - back in 1910 - to start creating national parks, mainly in mountainous areas. This helped keep some of Europe's remaining wildlife from being exploited. The country also has many nature reserves and protected areas.
Sweden has 16 national parks and almost 900 nature reserves under the protection of cultural heritage.

Sweden is a great country to visit with many interesting places to visit. Anyone planning a trip to Sweden should learn about its sights.

Stockholm

Stockholm is the capital of Sweden and also the most densely populated city among all Scandinavian countries. It is home to almost a million people. The city is located on 14 islands. Many people think that outwardly it is the most beautiful city in Scandinavia. There you can take photos literally at every turn: from historical and modern colorful houses to beautiful islands and parks near the harbor itself.

Traveling around Stockholm will be remembered for a long time: this Scandinavian city has a huge number of museums, art exhibition halls, statues, fountains and parks. Tourists tend to visit such interesting places like the Vase Museum, Stockholm Public Library. The subway is also attractive with its gallery art. Stockholm is not a cheap city. But staying here even for a few days is worth the money spent.

Gothenburg

Gothenburg - amazing city. It is definitely worth staying for at least a few days. During this time, you can discover interesting places and tourist attractions.

It is the second largest city in west coast Sweden. It is located about 6 hours drive from Stockholm. it's the same Big city with many tourist attractions. It is definitely worth a visit to anyone who is going to Sweden. It is impossible to list all of its interesting places, but the following are especially worth noting:

• big fish market
• martiman museum,
• Volvo Factory,
• 20 islands,
• Liseberg Amusement Park,
• main boulevard of Gothenburg,
• original Viking ship in Gothenburg City Museum,
• Gothenburg Museum of Art,
• museum house.

And also many, many others. Here you can even visit the submarine "Nordkaperen" or go to the top of the hill to see the panorama of the city.

Uppsala

An ancient city located 70 km from Stockholm and a 20-minute drive from Arlanda airport. Uppsala is rich in unique cultural and historical treasures. The city has managed to retain its provincial charm while offering a wide variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options.

The Furis River divides Uppsala into two parts: historical (western) and administrative (to the east). Most of the city is located on the western side. Here you can visit:

• The Cathedral is the main cathedral in the city. He is also the most big church Scandinavia. Many Swedish kings were buried here.
• Garden of Carl Linnaeus, which has a greenhouse.
• botanical gardens.
• Uppsala Castle. Here you can see the works of artists of the XVI century and more modern masters.

Linköping

Linköping is a much smaller city than Stockholm and Gothenburg. But it has its own unique atmosphere - especially in autumn and winter. At this time, the whole city becomes neon and looks just amazing.

The inhabitants of the city themselves call it "a place where ideas become reality." In the 80s of the last century, the city administration decided to create a center for the study of innovations and high technologies on the basis of the local university. This decision gave a serious impetus to the development of the city. On the other hand, it has a lot of historical sights:

• Linköping Cathedral, built in 1230,
• the town hall, where in the Middle Ages there was a church and church schools,
• city ​​Library,
• "Gamla Linkoping" - the historical part of the city,
• open-air air force museum.

Big fans of innovative technologies and everything connected with them can visit the world's first Museum of Computers and Servers.

Fancy hotels

Sweden is an amazing country of strange hotels. A tourist can stay overnight in a tree house, sleep inside an ice cave, deep underground in a silver mine, or underwater in a floating hotel. Unfortunately, all these places are usually very expensive. But if financial possibilities allow, it is definitely worth a try. One of these unusual hotels is the uncivilized Kolarbin Hotel:

Also known for its unusual and ice hotel. It is being built from December to April, but reservations must be made at least a month before arrival - otherwise there may simply be no places left.

Viking city Birka

Located 30 km from Stockholm. It is here that you can fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Viking life. A variety of themed events often take place in this medieval town.

Grave of Ales-Stenar made of stones in Ystad

Sweden has its own attraction, which, in terms of mystery and popularity, is not inferior to Stonehenge. In the small fishing town of Koseberke, located 80 km from Malmö, guests of the country can see mystical stones called Ales Stenar. This monument includes 59 vertical boulders that are dug into the ground. If you connect them with one line, they will form the outline of the ship. The weight of some stones is about five tons.

Studies have shown that this structure was erected about 1400 years ago. But little else is known about these boulders: their true purpose and origin of the name remain a mystery. Historians believe that these boulders in the past were tombstones, inside which were the burial places of noble persons. Another option - boulders are monuments to sunken ships.

There is a legend that the man buried in Ales Stenar is a figure from Swedish myth: King El the Strong. Most likely, it was one of the most influential Vikings.

Abisko National Park

Near the Norwegian border, on the edge of Lapland, there is one of the most popular Swedish nature parks among tourists - Abisko. It is open to visitors all year round. Many hiking trails start from Abisko Tourist Station.

Each of them is equipped with special huts where travelers can relax. In summer and autumn held in high esteem hiking trails; in the winter season - skiing. One of the most popular routes involves climbing Mount Naoya. The most persistent tourists who manage to climb it will have an amazing view of the stretching natural landscapes.

One of the most popular places for hunters of the northern lights - Aurora Sky station. It is also located in national park Abiscu. If you're lucky, you can see northern Lights. Its incredible beauty attracts tourists from all over the world. Usually, observation of the miracle of nature opens from November 17th. They usually get to the station by train or car. You can also choose a plane, but the price will be at least twice as expensive.

"- Welcome! “You are visiting Her Majesty Nature!”

This is how one can briefly express the attitude towards natural wealth in Sweden.

And it consists not only in the careful handling of the flora and fauna, but also in everything that the earth and the bowels of this northern country Scandinavian Peninsula.
If you look at geographical map, you can see that Sweden looks elongated in the direction from north to south and this makes a difference in its nature.

The terrain ranges from the mountains of Kebnekaise (Kebnekaise) - a height of about 2100 m and plateaus to hilly terrain. The bowels are rich in minerals: large reserves of iron ore, as well as gold, silver, tungsten and other rare minerals.

Forests - from taiga (mainly pine, spruce) to mixed coniferous and broad-leaved trees, and in the very south of the country - oak, beech from broad-leaved trees. Fir trees have been found that have taken root about 5,000 years ago and are among the oldest trees.

V wild nature you can meet a rare reindeer today, as well as elk and roe deer, lynx, fox, brown bear, squirrel, marten, and other different animals and birds.

The country is replete with swamps, rivers, lakes. Swans, gulls, geese, ducks nest and breed on the banks of reservoirs, and there are several hundred species of birds in total.

Grayling and salmon, pike perch, trout and perch swim in the rivers - more than 150 species of fish in total.

Sweden is a country with unique flora and fauna. And the caring attitude of the indigenous population of the country and special rules of behavior in natural areas, enshrined in law, help to preserve it. A large number of national parks and reserves, which include unique natural landscapes, are protected by the state. The first such national park was established in 1909. 1964 - The Swedish Environmental Protection Act was passed. Having visited this amazing country and got acquainted with its real treasure-Nature, you will get a lot of impressions and discoveries.

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In the expanses of Sweden live such inhabitants of the forests, such as brown bear, elk, lynx, marten, white hare, fox, ...

Swedish nature is very rich and varied. According to the nature of natural vegetation, it can be divided into several ...

(Picture clickable - Click to enlarge) Sweden has the Göta Canal, which connects the two largest lakes…

A recent poll showed that almost a third of Swedes consider ecology and pollution to be one of their most pressing issues. For comparison: only 7% of the inhabitants of the European Union as a whole, according to the same statistics, are concerned about these problems.
Overproduction and ever-increasing consumption is another problem that many countries are concerned about, as industrial production entails environmental pollution and wasted energy. At the household level, it is popular among Swedes not to buy unnecessary things, trying, where possible, not to create unnecessary demand for certain, "non-environmental" goods. It is quite common, for example, to buy used furniture, clothes and appliances in order to prevent overproduction, albeit on a small scale.
Virtually all industrial enterprises in Sweden are constantly implementing innovative solutions to increase efficiency and at the same time reduce energy consumption. Supports industrialists in these endeavors and the government. In 2005, it introduced tax incentives for energy-intensive industries in exchange for developing measures to reduce energy consumption. The government's goal is to make energy use 20% more efficient by 2020 compared to 2008.
Each municipality (and there are 290 in Sweden) has an energy advisor that people can turn to for help and guidance. Advice is provided on issues such as the use of low energy lighting and the transition to more environmentally friendly heating systems.

Who's who in the Swedish eco-world

SWEDISH ENVIRONMENTAL AGENCY

Submits proposals for environmental policy and legislation to the government and ensures that decisions based on these policies are implemented. The agency also deals with outdoor recreation and hunting.

STOCKHOLM CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

International center for interdisciplinary research on the organization of management of socio-ecological systems with an emphasis on survival - the ability to cope with change and continue to develop.

VINNOVA

Government organization founded in 2001 to develop Sweden's innovative capacity for sustainable growth. Vinnova annually invests around SEK 2.7 billion (€286 million) in various programs.

SWEDEN ENERGY AGENCY

A government organization that promotes renewable energy, improved technology, smarter energy use, and climate change mitigation.

If you want to save the planet, take out the trash

Over 99% of Sweden's waste is recycled and reused in one way or another - a phenomenon already dubbed the "Swedish recycling revolution". No other country in the world has yet managed to come so close to the dream of zero-waste production and clean water and air. How did the Swedes manage to achieve this?
Considering that on average each inhabitant of the planet produces several tons of household waste per year, it is easy to imagine what the Earth will turn into at least in a few years if no measures are taken. Sweden is among the countries that have managed to excel in terms of waste disposal and recycling. Only 0.7% of household waste in Sweden is disposed of in special landfills, while in the EU as a whole this figure is as much as 34%.

Every Swedish family has several containers of stickers in their apartment and in every house. On one is glass, on the other is cardboard, on the third is metal, on the fourth is plastic, on the fifth is for newspapers. Separate container for food waste. The appropriate waste is placed in these containers, which are then transported to the waste collection station. The importance of sorting garbage is so ingrained in the minds of Swedes that many do it automatically. Paints, nail polish, old batteries, light bulbs and electrical appliances are hazardous waste that is disposed of in specially designated areas. Municipalities are responsible for the organization of waste collection and disposal, and they are also responsible for ensuring that their residents are aware of the rules and possibilities for disposal.

Innovation at the service of the environment

Another way that Sweden is trying to show other countries the way to turn the planet into an ecological paradise is through the use of innovative environmental solutions. The Swedish government has already invested more than 400 million kroons in research and development in the field of ecology and environmental protection. Notable developments include biofuels, smart grids, and carbon capture and storage. In 2013, spending on research and development was 3.3% of GDP, the fourth-highest figure in the OECD.

Concern for clean air forced the Swedes to look for ways to replace combustible fuel and gasoline. Alternative fuel sources that have become widespread in Sweden are biofuels derived from food and organic waste, electricity and ethanol. Many Swedish companies, as well as almost all government agencies replace the fleet, getting rid of cars running on combustible fuels and switching to environmentally friendly electric vehicles. Almost all urban and intercity buses switched to biofuels and ethanol. These are just a few of the measures Sweden is taking to eliminate combustible gases from circulation and help clean the air from harmful emissions. Targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2020 compared to 1990 and completely rid the fleet of fossil fuels by 2030 are among the priorities for Swedish environmental policy.

From the history of the issue

Sweden earned a reputation as a pioneer in the field of ecology back in the 1960s and 70s. For example, Sweden became the first country to establish in 1967 the Office of Environmental Protection. It was in Sweden in 1972 that the first UN conference devoted to environmental issues was held, which resulted in the creation of the United Nations Program for environment(UNEP) is the leading international environmental body to this day.

Sweden was also one of the first states to sign and ratify the Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement on necessary measures in the face of climate change.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Sweden has the largest share of renewable energy in the EU - in 2017 it was 54.5%, mainly hydropower and biofuels. According to the forecasts of the Swedish Energy Authority, this figure could rise to 55% by 2020.

ATOMIC ENERGY

Nuclear energy accounts for about 40% of Sweden's electricity generation. There are ten reactors in Sweden. Their future, however, is yet to be determined, as some reactors are nearing the end of their useful lives, and the pros and cons of building new ones remain a hot topic of discussion.

ARCTIC FOCUS

Global climate change has made the Arctic one of the most vulnerable regions in the world. Over the past 100 years average temperature in the region has risen twice as much as the average global temperature. Changes affect not only local biodiversity and polar ice, but also the planet as a whole due to rising sea levels. As part of the Arctic region and a member of the intergovernmental Arctic Council, Sweden aims to raise public awareness of climate change in the Arctic in international climate negotiations. www.arctic-council.org

WATER FOR LIFE

Along with climate change, one of the major global environmental issues is marine pollution and loss of marine habitat. Since 1990, the proportion of acidified lakes in Sweden has decreased from 17% to 10% and the downward trend continues. In addition, Sweden is actively working to convince the EU and the countries of the Baltic region to improve the environment Baltic Sea. Actions include management water resources and fisheries projects.

Ecological excellence cities

According to UN statistics, by 2050 two-thirds of the world's population will live in cities. That is why the problem of overpopulation of cities and their growth causes concern among environmentalists of all countries. Here too, Sweden could serve as a good example, since sustainable use natural resources played a decisive role in the planning of many Swedish cities.

Stockholm

In the mid 1990s. Stockholm city hall decided to turn the former industrial area of ​​Hammarby into a model of ecological urban planning. In a newly built residential area - "smart" power grids, affordable and environmentally friendly public transport, bike paths and parking lots, organization of waste collection and disposal.

Malmö

A similar transformation from an industrial area to a residential area has taken place in Malmö. Today, Västrahamnen is a carbon-neutral area with a thermal energy storage system. The water is stored during the summer, then pumped using wind power to heat homes during the cold season. The water is then reused to cool buildings in the summer.