Swedish prime minister Fredrik Reinfeldt speaks at Stockholm University

Mr Reinfeldt’s visit to the University came at the start of a week which will see him address the final sitting of the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday to discuss Sweden’s presidency of Europe.

After a warm reception from Stockholm University’s Vice-Chancellor Kåre Bremer, Mr Reinfeldt initially took up the issue of the global financial crisis and how Sweden and the EU responded.

“Previous experience showed us how to respond to the financial meltdown,” he told the audience of students, lecturers and visitors to the University. “Europe could have been on the verge of a massive depression if it wasn’t for the measures member states both individually and collectively took.”

With the Copenhagen Climate Conference underway, Reinfeldt quickly turned to the climate debate and discussed how best to reduce global warming, warning that economic growth must not be at the expense of the planet.

“Massive climate change can come quickly,” the Prime Minister said, “if carbon emissions continue at the present rate. Sweden could well have a mediterranean climate if action is not taken to stop global warming.”

Drawing attention to Sweden’s record as one of the most environmentally friendly nations on the planet, having cut carbon emissions by nine percent between in the last fifteen years whilst enjoying economic growth of almost fifty percent in fixed prices, Mr Reinfeldt urged other countries to follow Sweden’s lead and act now before it is too late.

“The responsible thing is to act now,” Mr Reinfeldt told the audience, highlighting how Swedes have quickly embraced environmentally friendly cars. “In Sweden we have already implemented many changes to reduce carbon emissions that other countries such as the US and China are still discussing. Although there is much scientific discussion going on in the research community as to the cause and severity of global warming, I personally believe we must be proactive.”

Asked by the audience whether he was ashamed by the climate crisis he and other world leaders were facing as they also sought to increase economic stability, Mr Reinfeldt said: “we must react now to the problems we’re facing. Let’s look at the scientific evidence. We must act responsibly to ensure the safety of the planet.”

Mr Reinfeldt also welcomed the intensity of the debate concerning carbon emissions and reminded students and visitors to the University that the EU has a significant role to play in influencing how America and China – responsible for almost half the carbon emissions in the planet – respond to the dangers we are facing.

Asked whether he felt a unified Nordic state would be better suited to tackle these problems given the Nordic regions similar standpoint on climate issues, Mr Reinfeldt dismissed this suggestion warning that it might lead to nationalism –“a dangerous poison”– within the Nordic region.

“The EU is the best way to tackle international issues,” the Prime Minister said.

Text: Jon Buscall, www.jontusmedia.com