Stockholm's coastal waters are becoming increasingly clear, according to the report "Svealandskusten 2023". Last summer, a new record was set with seven meters of visibility.
A new report from the Svealand Coastal Water Management Association has measured the quality of coastal water in Sweden. It shows that the water around Stockholm's middle archipelago is becoming increasingly clear and that a new visibility record of seven meters was measured last summer. At the beginning of the 20th century, visibility was only around two meters.
It is believed that sewage treatment has made the water clearer, but at the same time it is only in the Stockholm archipelago that the water has improved. On the contrary, in many other parts of the coast, the water has become murkier and visibility has also deteriorated considerably in the open sea. At the beginning of the 20th century, visibility was about ten meters, but today it is about six meters.
The report also shows that fixed buoys in natural harbors lead to reduced damage to the bottom vegetation, and at the same time eelgrass spreads on the bottoms, which is considered positive in the work to protect the bottoms.
They also note that there has been a marked decline in herring, and instead the big spike has taken over, which worries coastal fishermen who believe that this may be a sign that the coastal ecosystem is under threat.
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38 plant protection products are to be reassessed by the Swedish Chemicals Agency (Kemikalieinspektionen) to protect groundwater from PFAS substances. The measure follows Denmark's decision to ban over 30 preparations for the same reason.
The Swedish Chemicals Agency is now taking decisive action to protect future groundwater by reassessing plant protection products containing PFAS substances that can break down into trifluoroacetic acid, TFA. This water-soluble substance cannot be removed using current technology.
TFA is a PFAS substance that is highly mobile in soil and does not break down in the environment. The substance has been detected in groundwater across large parts of Europe.
— TFA is assessed to pose a serious long-term threat to groundwater and cannot be removed with current technology. Since TFA is formed from approved plant protection products containing PFAS substances, we must act, says Mats Allmyr, strategic advisor at the Swedish Chemicals Agency, in a press release.
The Danish Environmental Protection Agency took the initiative this summer and withdrew 33 plant protection products to protect groundwater after active substances in the preparations were found to form TFA. According to the EU's plant protection products regulation, this means that Sweden must also reassess its product approvals for corresponding products.
The Swedish Chemicals Agency is now taking a comprehensive approach and reassessing both the plant protection products that Denmark has withdrawn and which are also available in Sweden, as well as other Swedish preparations containing any of the active substances diflufenican, flonicamid, fluazinam, fluopyram, mefentrifluconazole, and tau-fluvalinate. In total, this involves 38 Swedish plant protection products.
When winter darkness descends over the Nordic region, it's not just people who are affected – but also our houseplants. However, for those who choose wisely, there are plants that manage excellently in dark conditions.
The darkest time of the year is now beginning, which can mean more challenges for plant enthusiasts. Many houseplants require their fair share of sunlight, something that's in short supply during the Swedish winter.
It's good to give your houseplants some extra thought during winter. Among other things, you should avoid fertilizing spring and summer flowering plants because they need to rest during the dark period. However, foliage plants can receive their dose of nutrients now and then. Feel free to move the pots when it's time to air the room, as they dislike cold drafts.
Plant lighting can sometimes be preferable in winter, depending on how much light you can offer the plants and of course what type of plant it is. Some plants also benefit from a shower with a water spray to maintain humidity.
Having plants at home has numerous health benefits, including helping to purify the air of harmful substances and reducing stress. For those who want to avoid expensive plant lighting, worry, or simply want easy-care plants, there are quite a few that tolerate some darkness, as reported by Land.se, a Swedish gardening publication.
Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Photo: Yazid N/Unsplash
Easy-care is definitely a word to describe the golden pothos. It grows quickly, is rarely attacked by pests, and has survival instincts in winter. Not only that – it can also reduce levels of chemical gases indoors. The plant sap can be irritating, so it should be kept at a safe distance from children, dogs, and cats.
Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina)
Photo: In Memoriam: Andy / Andrew Fogg/CC BY 2.0
This tropical tree prefers no drafts and not too much sun, but has low light requirements. Don't forget watering – the weeping fig becomes unhappy if you do.
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
Montage. Photo: Outi Marjaana, Elena Golovchenko/Pexels
This beautiful plant is known for its ability to purify air of harmful substances, something that NASA, among others, has researched. In that study, they concluded that the plant can reduce the toxic substance benzene by as much as 79.5 percent in just 24 hours.
In another study conducted by researchers at the University of Birmingham, three common houseplants were tested, including the peace lily, to see if they could help remove air pollutants in the home. All three plants proved effective against air pollutants, removing about half of the nitrogen dioxide they were exposed to – in just one hour.
The peace lily is easy to care for and can tolerate dark conditions. The plant can bloom year-round, but if it stands in too much darkness, flowers may naturally be absent until spring.
ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Montage. Photo: WeFt, feey/CC BY-SA 3.0
This green, stately plant is actually called zamioculcas, and in Sweden often goes by the name "garderobsblomma" (closet flower) – because it can be kept anywhere, even in a closet. It tolerates both bright and dark conditions as well as different temperatures, simply adapting to its surroundings.
Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
Photo: Olha Ruskykh/Pexels
In the past, it was common for these plants to be passed down from generation to generation – that's how resilient the snake plant is. It's also perfect for those who don't have much time to care for their plants, as it doesn't require much water. Rather, you should be careful not to overwater it. It tolerates both sunlight and shade, but the leaf colors may change depending on light levels. This plant is also excellent at purifying air.
Jade plant (Crassula ovata)
Photo: Lucie Hošová/Unsplash
Despite its African origin, this plant is exceptionally suitable for the Nordic climate. It can tolerate temperatures from 30 degrees Celsius down to zero. It also stores water in its leaves and stem, so you shouldn't water too much.
Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Photo: Ravi Kant/Pexels
This plant is also known for absorbing harmful substances from the air, but is also an excellent humidifier. It doesn't make great demands on its caretaker but is both resilient and rarely complains. It's best if it can remain at room temperature year-round.
Swedish public broadcaster SVT's nature program helps millions of viewers relax and feel connected to nature – despite the experience being digital, shows a study from SLU.
The Great Moose Migration is a program that annually livestreams the spring migration of moose in Kullberg in Ångermanland, northern Sweden. For 20 days, viewers follow the moose as they travel through forests and swim across the Ångerman River. The program attracts millions of Swedes each year, as well as viewers in other countries.
Now researchers at SLU (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences) have examined how viewers are affected by the moose program. Through surveys distributed via social media and the program's live chat, over 2,000 people have described their experiences. The results, published in the journal People and Nature, show that the program creates a strong sense of calm and connection to nature.
— Viewers describe how the sound of wind, birds, and rain gives a feeling of presence, and how the slow rhythm of the broadcast helps them unwind. Many experience that the program reminds them of childhood memories, previous nature experiences, or places they have a personal connection to, says researcher Minh-Xuan Truong in a press release.
Relieves anxiety
The program is a typical example of so-called "slow TV", where viewers simply follow the moose at nature's pace without any narrator, quick cuts, or dramatic music.
What makes the experience so realistic is primarily the natural sounds. The river's murmur, birdsong, and the whisper of wind create a feeling of actually being at the location. Some viewers even reported that they could smell the rain or pine forest.
The fact that the program is unedited is also appreciated. Sometimes animals are visible, sometimes not – just like when hiking in the forest in real life.
The study shows that the silence, slow images, and nature's beauty function as a break from everyday stress. Several participants in the survey described how the program relieves headaches and anxiety, while others emphasized the calming effect of seeing animals in their natural environment.
Does not replace real nature experiences
Viewers generally report feeling a strong connection to nature. The feeling was particularly pronounced among people who frequently spend time outdoors and are environmentally engaged. The connection to nature also tended to increase with age. The live chat during the program is also appreciated, as many experience that it creates a sense of community.
The researchers emphasize that digital nature experiences can never replace being outside yourself, but that they can function as an important complement.
— Digital outdoor life seems to be able to promote recovery and connection to nature in a similar way to experiences in actual nature. It can of course never replace real nature experiences, but it can be an important complement, especially for people who have difficulty getting outside, said Truong.
Aerial view of a solar power park installed by the state-owned Chinese energy company China Huadian Corporation (CHD) in the Gurbantunggut Desert, Xinjiang region in northwestern China.
China accounts for over 30 percent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, but is simultaneously investing more than any other country in renewable energy and electric vehicles. New figures suggest that Chinese emissions may have peaked earlier than expected.
China emits an estimated 15.6 gigatons of carbon dioxide equivalents (carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases) annually, making the country the world's single largest emitter. But behind the figures, a comprehensive transformation is underway, reports AFP.
Chinese electricity production is still dominated by coal, which accounts for nearly 60 percent of generated power. But massive installations of renewable energy are rapidly changing the picture. China now has 1,482 gigawatts of installed solar and wind power capacity and aims to increase its capacity sixfold from 2020 levels to 3,600 gigawatts by 2035.
According to analysts' assessments, the goal is realistic – in fact, so realistic that the country may reach it earlier than planned. During 2024, China added significantly more than the 200 gigawatts per year that would be required to meet the target.
Electric vehicles taking over the market
In the automotive market, the transition has been even faster. Nearly half of all new cars sold in China during 2024 were either electric or plug-in hybrids. The country accounts for over 70 percent of global electric vehicle production and has, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), become the world leader in the field.
President Xi Jinping has stated that vehicles with "new energy" should become mainstream in the Chinese market – a goal that has essentially already been achieved.
Electric cars dominate new car sales in China, with prices that can be around €20,000 lower than European equivalents. Photo: The Nordic Times
Emissions may have peaked
In September, China presented concrete numerical targets for emission reductions for the first time: a reduction of 7–10 percent by 2035.
Some observers believe that Chinese emissions have already reached their highest level, or are close to doing so, thanks to the rapid expansion of renewable energy and nuclear power. Beijing has previously committed to reaching peak emissions by 2030 at the latest and to being "carbon neutral" by 2060.
In China, debate about the downsides of wind power is not common, and large amounts of wind power have been installed in desert areas and offshore in recent years.
