Assessing the Impact of Sustainability Initiatives on Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Sweden and Finland

Abstract

Climate change has become a central concern in global policy discourse over the past two decades, motivating nations to adopt a wide range of sustainability initiatives. Analyzing the specific measures implemented and their effectiveness in promoting environmental sustainability is therefore critical. This study aims to evaluate the contribution of various sustainability actions to environmental preservation by focusing on Sweden and Finland, recognized for their leadership in sustainable development. Employing panel least squares and generalized method of moments methodologies using 2010-2020 data, the research rigorously assesses the impact of sustainability initiatives on environmental performance, with a particular focus on greenhouse gas emissions as the primary indicator. The empirical findings reveal that the expansion of renewable energy sources delivers the most prompt and significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions among the interventions examined. Additionally, investments in green technologies and the issuance of green bonds are shown to enhance environmental quality, with their benefits projected to increase over time. These results highlight the necessity of prioritizing renewable energy development in national climate strategies. Building on these insights, the study presents targeted policy recommendations for Sweden and Finland. It advocates for a strategic shift from compliance-oriented environmental reporting towards the adoption of actionable policies that produce measurable emission reductions. Recommended policy measures include the promotion of sector-specific emission abatement, accelerated development of renewable energy infrastructure, and the encouragement of clean technology innovation through public investment and fiscal incentives. By comparing two Nordic sustainability leaders, Sweden and Finland, this study clarifies which targeted environmental measures are most effective within advanced institutional contexts.

Keywords: Sustainability Initiatives, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Renewable Energy, Environmental Performance