Learning a new language can often be a bridge to understanding critical issues in the culture where the language is spoken. In Swedish, as in many languages, a growing vocabulary is related to environmental sustainability—a testament to the increasing global concern about our planet. Here are some Swedish words pertaining to this vital subject, complete with definitions and example sentences.

Hållbarhet
Hållbarhet translates to “sustainability” in English. It’s a term widely used across various sectors—from business to personal lifestyle choices—referring to practices and processes that do not deplete resources or harm the environment and can be maintained long-term without negative effects on future generations.
Företaget har implementerat nya strategier för hållbarhet i sin verksamhet.

Klimatförändringar
The term klimatförändringar means “climate change.” This encompasses the significant and lasting changes in the Earth’s weather patterns or average temperatures, especially the rise in temperature often attributed to human activities like fossil fuel burning.
Klimatförändringar påverkar alla delar av världen, inte bara de polarregionerna.

Återvinning
Återvinning is the Swedish word for “recycling.” It refers to the process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects, reducing the consumption of fresh raw materials, and minimizing energy usage, air and water pollution.
Vi måste sortera vårt skräp för återvinning.

Förnybar energi
Förnybar energi translates to “renewable energy.” This term describes energy sources that are not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power, in contrast to non-renewable energy sources like coal or oil.
Sverige investerar mycket i forskning på förnybar energi för att möta framtida energibehov.

Biologisk mångfald
Biologisk mångfald, or “biodiversity” in English, refers to the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or in the world as a whole. High biodiversity is often considered a measure of a healthy ecosystem.
Bevarandet av biologisk mångfald är kritiskt för ekosystemets hälsa.

Koldioxidavtryck
Koldioxidavtryck means “carbon footprint.” This is a measure of the total amount of carbon dioxide emissions for which an individual or organization is responsible, often as a result of their daily activities or operational practices.
Varje person kan göra något för att minska sitt koldioxidavtryck.

Miljövänlig
Miljövänlig translates to “environmentally friendly” or “eco-friendly.” Products or practices labeled as such are considered to have a minimal impact on the natural world.
Den här produkten är gjord av återvunna material och är därför väldigt miljövänlig.

Utsläppsbegränsningar
Utsläppsbegränsningar means “emission restrictions or limitations.” These are regulations set to control the amount of pollutants—such as carbon dioxide or methane—released into the atmosphere.
Regeringen har infört strängare utsläppsbegränsningar för att bekämpa luftföroreningar.

Avfallshantering
Avfallshantering refers to “waste management.” It’s the collection, transport, processing, recycling or disposal, and monitoring of waste materials.
Korrekta metoder för avfallshantering är väsentliga för att skydda miljön.

Learning these Swedish terms not only expands your linguistic repertoire but also provides you with the vocabulary to discuss and understand the important issue of environmental sustainability in a Swedish context. Remember, embodying the principles these words represent is just as crucial as adding them to your lexicon.