Sweden Reports Decrease in Greenhouse Gas Emissions While Launching AI Project for Toxic-Free Circular Economy
Sweden reduces greenhouse gas emissions in Q2 2025 alongside a new AI-driven initiative to improve chemical safety for a toxic-free circular economy.
- • SCB reports a decrease in Sweden's production-based greenhouse gas emissions for Q2 2025 with updated and revised data.
- • Transport sector emissions include global activities of Swedish companies; aviation data is based on OECD's latest available statistics.
- • TRACE AI project uses AI to bridge knowledge gaps about hazardous chemicals amidst new EU regulations.
- • Collaboration among Swedish universities and research institutions aims to develop safer chemical management tools using AI.
Key details
Sweden's economy saw a reduction in production-based greenhouse gas emissions in the second quarter of 2025, according to data from Statistics Sweden (SCB). The emissions include activities by Swedish actors both domestically and abroad, with the transport sector’s emissions accounted for based on Swedish transport companies regardless of emission location. Seasonal variations affect emission levels, notably higher in colder months for energy-related sectors and higher fuel consumption in warmer months. Updated energy data and revised sulfur and nitrogen oxides emissions were applied to the latest statistics, highlighting refined accuracy for 2024 and early 2025 periods. Aviation emission estimates remain based on OECD’s latest data from late 2024, pending updates (113829).
Concurrently, a new Swedish research project called TRACE AI has been launched, aiming to address significant knowledge gaps in the chemical properties of around 350,000 registered substances. The project utilizes artificial intelligence—including machine learning and natural language processing—to improve the understanding, documentation, and traceability of hazardous substances, in line with emerging EU regulations such as the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation. This collaboration among Göteborgs universitet, Chalmers tekniska högskola, Stockholms universitet, RISE, and ChemSec seeks to create a more transparent and reliable chemical information system. Project leader Daniel Slunge highlighted AI's potential in bridging critical information gaps and aiding safer material management decisions. Case studies in plastics, textiles, and food contact materials will test AI applications, with potential benefits extending to low- and middle-income countries and enhancing global chemical control frameworks (113834).