Week 47: Black Friday creates divided opinion among debaters

Black Friday has led to debate about both greenhouse gas emissions and the importance of shopping for freedom and democracy. Photo: CC0/. Source: Rawpixel.

Of: Edwin Borg

During the past week, several debaters have raised criticism against Black Friday. Opinions have differed: some criticize consumerism as contributing to both climate change and poor working conditions, while others see it as a class issue. Some also see consumption as something worth celebrating.

November 27, 2023, Current debate

Sustainable consumption and production – a major challenge for Sweden

Unsustainable consumption is one of the main causes of climate change - and that we thereby risk the stability of the planet, say Johan Rockström, professor of environmental science, and several other environmental scientists. Photo: dmncwndrlch/Pixabay, Twitter.

Of: Fanny Tegman Lindholm

Sweden's material footprint is increasing and sustainable consumption and production patterns are one of our biggest challenges. During In Almedal week 2022, there was a consensus among researchers about the negative impact of overconsumption on the climate. Strongly reduced carbon dioxide emissions and more circular flows of goods and services are examples of more sustainable consumption patterns, but the road there is complicated.

July 26, 2022, Almedalen - article, Report

We do not buy ourselves into a sustainable world

On Kungsgatan, one of Gothenburg's most popular shopping streets, shopping people often meet recruiters from various organizations. Photo: News Øresund / Jenny Andersson. Source: Flickr.

Of: Agnes Von Unge

Today, non-profit organizations often use member recruiters in the city to raise money for their businesses. At the same time, the change needed in the consumer society requires that organizations also change their fundraising strategies.

March 10, 2022, Chronicle

This is how we Swedes can protect the Amazon and support its environmental fighters

Last year, the devastation of the Amazon in Brazil increased by 22 percent compared to 2020. This is the highest annual deforestation in 15 years. Photo: quapan. Source: flickr.

Of: Ebba Eriksson

The destruction of the Amazon, the lungs of the earth, threatens biodiversity as well as the rights and lives of indigenous peoples. Alarming reports of deforestation of an area as large as France and images of burning primeval forest arouse strong feelings in many and a desire to be able to help - and we in Sweden can be involved and influence.

March 1, 2022, Chronicle

Week 47: Residence permit for Afghans and criticism of Black Friday

- Black Friday is perhaps the main celebration of overconsumption, write the environmentalists Amanda Palmstierna and Lorentz Tovatt on Aftonbladet Debatt. Photo: Artem Beliaikin. Source: Unsplash.

Of: Sigrid Wernersson and Villemo Warnerfjord

During a week fraught with both a prime ministerial vote and a government crisis, much of the focus on Swedish debate pages has been on domestic policy. Global development issues have been overshadowed, but two themes that have been raised are Afghan residence permits and Black Friday.

November 29, 2021, Current debate

Become aware of what affects the ecological footprint the most

Of: Elin Petersson

Living without a car, avoiding air travel, switching to a plant-based diet and having fewer children are some changes that have major environmental benefits and should therefore be prioritized. Despite this, many consumers associate environmental friendliness with less effective changes such as choosing locally produced products, organic food or introducing a vegetarian day a week. If the public lacks the ability to distinguish effective changes from ineffective ones, the chances are low that Sweden will achieve consumption-related environmental goals, says Elin Petersson, a student at Linnaeus University.

February 26, 2021, Debate

Textile collection can encourage more consumption

clothes in store

Swedish textile consumption has increased by almost 30 percent during the 2000s. Photo: OiMax / Flickr

Of: Johanna Wolff

The fashion industry is increasingly promising sustainable solutions. Companies like H&M have been accepting textiles for recycling and recycling for a couple of years now. But an overconfidence in the circular economy can lead to continued unsustainable consumption and a high climate impact.

March 18, 2020, Report

Debaters demand that the EU put pressure on Turkey on the migration issue

Flags of Turkey and the EU

The EU should immediately suspend negotiations with Turkey on EU membership, some debaters write.

Of: Ina Carlsson

The EU's conflict with Turkey over who will receive the many migrants continues. Several debaters believe that the EU must put pressure on Turkish President Erdogan to reach a new migration agreement. In addition, this week WWF has been criticized for its support for cotton certifications.

March 12, 2020, Current debate

Black Friday created a debate about climate colonialism and poverty

Shopping

On Black Friday, we are encouraged to consume more than usual. It has created debate on Swedish opinion pages.

Of: Rebecka Rönnegård

Is climate colonialism behind Swedes' consumption? Or is it in fact poverty that causes emissions? These are issues that have been debated in connection with Black Friday and the UN climate summit in Madrid. In addition, Sweden's military efforts in Iraq and the new EU Commission have been discussed.

December 4, 2019, Current debate

Is there a sustainable version of the clothing industry?

It is not easy to choose nice clothes. A large-scale production looks pretty much the same regardless of what ethical certification the garment has, says the guest columnist with long experience in the industry.

Of: Johan Stellansson

I do not think I thought for many seconds about what clothes I bought - or especially where I bought them - during the first 38 years of my life. Mainly because I was not interested, I had so much else to worry about. But I later understood that the ethical choice for the consumer […]

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October 18, 2019, Guest chronicle