Scenarios for the Baltic Sea region: a vision of sustainability

This paper presents integrated scenarios of the Baltic Sea region to the ye ar 2030. It summarises research conducted for Baltic 21, a region wide proc ess to identify strategies for sustainable development. The aim is to illum inate the requirements for a transition to sustainability. This includes a view of where the region is now, where it seems to be heading if convention al development patterns persist, and where alternatively it could aim - a s ustainability vision. In the sustainability vision, a high degree of econom ic equity and full employment are attained, greenhouse gas emissions are sh arply reduced, the acidification of soils and waters are kept within safe t olerance levels and the Baltic Sea is restored to ecological health. Precon ditions for realising this future include the diffusion of clean and effici ent technologies, reorientation of consumer demand towards less resource-in tensive products, public support for strong sustainability policies, and a cooperative climate between nations.