Uploaded on 2015-12-14 by PetraPalusova

*Food* The local climate creates many limits for growing food. Summers in South of Sweden are mild, so it is possible to grow some types of vegetables in the garden, such as carrots, lettuce or other salads, radishes, peas, from fruit is mostly strawberries and all the berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, black and red currants) that grow in forests and parks. In general farmers grow potatos. ![Our garden in winter][1] *Raw materials* Wood is widely used as a construction material and a fuel during winter. The most common trees in the area are - birch, spruce, pine, alder, rowan, aspen, willow, oak, hazel and prunus. *Fresh water* Sweden in general is known for a good water quality. Several lakes in the neighborhood work as reservoirs for drinking water. *Medicinal resources* - angelica root, carline thistle root, camphor, manna, rhubarb root, saffron, senna, theriac venetian, zedoary root, dandellion and many other. ![enter image description here][2] **Regulating services** *Local climate and air quality* Göteborg is an industrial city. In the past there were many problems with air pollution and significant contamination in the nature. In last two decades the city went through a big environmental revolution and started to put all the efforts into sustainable ways of living. Despite large industry in Göteborg the air quality is very good in all parts of the city. The most important factor is the wind coming from the sea so basically there are no urban heat islands full of pollution particles over the city. Also, factories have to remain environmentally harmless and keep the standard that is already set. *Carbon sequestration and storage* The amount of carbon sequestered in humus increases in forests. CO2 emissions caused by power production are relatively low. There is for instance extensively growth of the use of green power and a huge amount of research projects are carried out about utilities of bio energy. There has been little change in climate policy since 2011, although Sweden has increased energy and CO2 tax and it is currently developing a "carbon neutral by 2050" roadmap. *Water-waste treatment* Today, virtually all households in urban area of Göteborg city are connected to municipal sewer networks, and roughly 95% of urban wastewater undergoes both biological and chemical treatment. Major industrial facilities, mines, airports etc carry out their own wastewater treatment. ![enter image description here][3] **Habitat or Supporting services** *Habitats for species* Forests and lakes provide habitat to a variety of species. These hardy species are equipped with the capacity to survive the intensity of the seasons (winter), making them unique animals indeed. The following species have been highlighted – mooses, weasels, shrews, foxes, elks, ermines, wolves, reindeers, otters, badgers, hares (that are actually fearless enough to go to visit residential areas in the city), many forest birds, hedgehogs etc. Large variety of birds such as snipes, plovers, wagtails, partridges, and ptarmigans, with some grouse and woodcocks. Seabirds such as gulls, terns and eider ducks are very common. Rivers and lakes have salmon, trout, perch and pike. On the west coast cod, herrings, mackerel and flatfish are found. About 57 percent of the country is covered by coniferous trees, mainly spruce and pine. The southern part of the country has some deciduous trees, such as beech, oak, elm, ash, and maple. In the higher mountain areas there are forests of birch, with some aspen and mountain ash. Above the timberline there is a moorland vegetation of mosses and lichens. Wet forests are a great habitat for many kinds of mushrooms. From plants as mentioned above all kinds of berries, rose hips. ![Delsjön lake][4] ![Canal and fish market (on the right side)][5] **Cultural services** *Recreation and mental and physical health* Göteborg city and area is full of hiking opportunities. Characteristic scandinavian seaside, islands, forests, lakes and beautiful landscape in general are very attractive to tourists. The city has a great infrastructure for cycling and bike-sharing stations and also many places for indoor sport acitivities in case of bad weather. Aesthetic appreciation and inspiration for culture, art and design Göteborg is a city of many cultural possibilities - museums, galleries, public spaces accomodated for cultural events or free-time activities. Göteborg is well known as an alternative center (Stockholm as more conservative) with great local scene. Historical parts such as Haga or Old Town center are architecturally very pleasing full of local design, hand-made products or vintage or antique stores. ![enter image description here][6] ![Röhsska Museum of Design][7] *Spiritual experience and sense of place* This is definitely subjective, but concerning my own personal preferences it is more than sure than some places can offer very significant and unique experience. Whole Scandinavia has a magnificent sense for design which is visible in every kind of art or creation. [1]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14501308852078851.jpg [2]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14501309264627494.jpg [3]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/1450130479447584.jpg [4]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/1450130288715793.jpg [5]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14501307159759525.jpg [6]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14501308472519587.jpg [7]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/1450130305389352.jpg