The U.S. Embassy has achieved nearly all of the goals that it set for the first year of its One Big Thing project -- cooperation between the United States and Sweden to accomplish a breakthrough in alternative energy technology. Of the 28 goals established one year ago, 25 have been partially or completely fulfilled. A complete list of the goals and status is available on the U.S. Embassy website.

"I'm proud of what we have done," said Ambassador Michael Wood, "but I want to achieve even more. World energy demand is only going to increase, making the need for alternative energy even more important. The One Big Thing is all about finding that breakthrough and making it real."

Among the accomplishments since the One Big Thing was launched in September 2006:

To maintain the Embassy's efforts, a new set of 29 goals has been developed for 2008. By next summer Embassy Stockholm aims to be a significantly "greener" building, with high-efficiency light bulbs powered by electricity generated from renewable sources. Embassy-owned housing is being converted to geothermal heating or district heating when possible.

Also in the second year of the OBT, an updated list of possible investments will be presented to American investors on the East Coast, and American investors will be invited to Sweden to see the new technologies for themselves. The Swedish American Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneurial Days in San Diego in April will be another opportunity to match bright ideas with money.

The One Big Thing will focus particularly on policy issues during the lead up to Sweden's assumption of the European Union Presidency in the second half of 2009, when the shape of a post-2012 climate change agreement should be finalized. This international pact must be environmentally effective and economically sustainable, truly global, and flexible enough to accommodate a range of national circumstances, as well as broad social and economic goals.

The 29 new goals are listed in the One Big Thing pamphlet on the Embassy website

"Much more remains to be done in cooperation with Sweden," Ambassador Wood said, "but the progress that the Embassy has made so far and our plans for 2008 reinforce President Bush's firm commitment to addressing the challenge of global climate change. Through the One Big Thing, Swedes and Americans are leading international efforts to develop innovative technological solutions to the emissions problem."

For additional information please contact the Public Affairs Office of the Embassy, tel. 08/783 5440