Tar vi vårt ansvar? En granskning av Sveriges politik för global utveckling

This thesis deals with the theories of ecological and environmental justice and applies them onto Swedish politics. Confronting the divide in the literature between anthropocentric and ecocentric perspectives, its aim is to seek points of agreement within this important field of environmental politics. In the theoretical discussion, definitions are made of the concepts sustainability, justice and responsibility. These definitions try to link ecological and environmental justice arguments with a focus on the global level. The object of analysis is the former Swedish governments? bill ?Common responsibility: Swedish politics for global development? which was accepted in 2003. The aim for the politics presented in the government bill is to work for a sustainable and just global development. The comparison between the governments? definitions of sustainability, justice and responsibility and the ones made out from ecological and environmental justice theory shows that the Swedish politics for global development lacks some important elements to be wished for from an ecological/environmental justice perspective. Most importantly, the responsibilities of the rich countries and individuals when it comes to dealing with the roots of environmental problems are largely overseen