ABSTRACT
The Rio Summit and the ensuing Kyoto Protocol catapulted the question of climate change to the top of the global political agenda, and the formulation and implementation of policies concerning climate change mitigation has further cemented the frontrunner position of the Nordic countries. The Nordic countries have 'cracked the nut' of simultaneous economic growth and reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In the period from 1990 to 2011, the GDP in the Nordic countries increased by 55 per cent, while GHG emissions were reduced by nine per cent. The Nordic countries have been able to implement the world's highest taxation on carbon tax, Sweden topping the list with a tax of €139/tonne of CO2, which has had a significant impact on fossil fuel consumption and energy efficiency. The Nordic countries also have their share of more radical, non-parliamentarian action groups and movements concerned with environmental issues, sustainability, climate change and animal rights.
