Behind the Green Trees: What Is the Swedish Forest Debate?

Information

What Is the Swedish Forest Debate? You know forests. But do you know Swedish forests?

Behind the Green Trees: What Is the Swedish Forest Debate?

A Fikacirkel event: documentary screening, discussion and fika

Saturday 21 November 2026, 15:00-17:00

Studieförbundet Vuxenskolan, Kungsgatan 42, Umeå

New to Sweden? You know forests. But do you know Swedish forests?

Forests are everywhere in Sweden, and they are also at the center of one of the country's biggest ongoing debates. They are part of the economy, the landscape, the climate discussion and everyday life, and people disagree strongly about how they should be used. If you've wondered why this topic keeps coming up, this is a relaxed way to find out.

Join us for a curious afternoon of film and conversation. We'll watch More of Everything, a documentary about Swedish forestry, and then talk about what we saw, what surprised us, and how it compares to forests and forestry where you come from. A Swedish fika is included.

Who is this for?

Anyone who wants to understand Sweden a little better, learn something interesting and meet new people. You don't need to be a scientist or an environmentalist, and you don't need any background knowledge. All you need is curiosity.

Language:

English and easy Swedish. Swedish learners are welcome to practice, and no one will be put on the spot.

What to expect:

• A short introduction to the topic
• The documentary screening (English subtitles)
• A facilitated, friendly discussion
• Fika

Part of Fikacirkel

This event is the first in Fikacirkel, a series for people who are new, or not so new, to Sweden and want to go a little deeper than the basics. A studiecirkel is a classic Swedish way of learning together in an informal group, and in Fikacirkel we combine it with fika. Each session explores a different part of Swedish culture, society, politics or history. Sometimes we'll watch a documentary or a film, sometimes read newspapers together, and sometimes just talk. Every session uses different material, so you can join one, or come to all of them.

Places are limited, so please sign up in advance.