2.1 Background

Stockholm is located where the Malaren Lake spills into the Baltic sea and spans over 14 islands, making it the largest in Sweden. Being the capital, it is a hub for economics, media, culture and politics, accounting for over 1/3 of the countries total gross domestic product (GDP). In the European GDP rankings, it is in amongst the top 10 and has an alpha-global city rank. Interestingly, it has consistently ranked amongst the top 10 cities in the world for happiness since the report’s inception. There are a host of high-ranking universities, world class museums and a concert hall where the Nobel Prize is awarded annually.13 Sweden takes the on-going climate crisis very seriously, giving it significant public and political attention. Their 219 nature reserves and 1000+ green spaces cover 30% of the cities area, aiding in Stockholm having the best rankings in terms of air pollution in Europe. In 2010, Stockholm set itself as a ‘role-model’ for other cities, inviting leaders in politics and research to study its success. Stockholm has a target of 2050 for producing net zero greenhouse emissions, resulting in Sweden being ranked the best Green Economy Index in 2014 & 2016. Through a combination of natural science and social science as main research methods, Stockholm have published extensive quantities of publications on the subject of resilience and sustainability. Many of these documents have gone on to influence many cities in the rest of Europe.14

Figure 3: Stockholm Timeline (Stockholm City Plan, p11)