Southwest Finland\u2019s Climate Roadmap has been updated to respond to the changing operating environment and to strengthen the region\u2019s capacity to address the impacts of climate change. The updated roadmap guides Southwest Finland towards carbon neutrality and brings together concrete measures to enhance the region\u2019s climate resilience.<\/p>\n
The update of the Climate Roadmap, originally published in 2021, has been carried out by Valonia, the sustainable development expert organisation for municipalities operating within the Regional Council of Southwest Finland, together with the Southwest Finland Vitality Centre. The updated objectives and measures are now open for comments.<\/p>\n
Southwest Finland\u2019s greenhouse gas emissions had decreased by 53 per cent from 1990 levels by 2024. The figure includes emissions from both the effort-sharing sector and the emissions trading sector.<\/p>\n
The definition of carbon neutrality has been updated in line with national recommendations. Southwest Finland\u2019s goal is to reduce emissions by 80 per cent from 1990 levels by 2035. Achieving this target will require emissions to be reduced by almost two thirds from their current level. Remaining emissions will be offset through increased carbon sinks and removals.<\/p>\n
The update further specifies measures across different sectors and introduces new solutions. In the energy sector, new measures include electricity and heat storage. Emissions from construction will be reduced by extending the lifespan of buildings and avoiding unnecessary demolition.<\/p>\n
In land use, agriculture and forestry, the focus is on safeguarding and strengthening carbon sinks. In the transport sector, further measures are needed to promote sustainable modes of transport and develop distribution networks for fossil-free energy carriers. Road transport accounts for approximately one third of the region\u2019s climate emissions.<\/p>\n
\u201cSince the roadmap was first prepared, the political environment has changed, the energy transition has progressed faster than expected, and security of supply has become a central topic of public discussion. The purpose of this update is to accelerate climate action in a changing operating environment,\u201d says Pekka Salminen, Chair of the Regional Climate Responsibility Board steering the roadmap process.<\/p>\n
The updated roadmap places a stronger emphasis on preparedness for and adaptation to the impacts of climate change. The objective is to make climate risk preparedness an integral part of the everyday work of municipalities, businesses and other organisations.<\/p>\n
According to the regional climate risk assessment, the most significant climate risks in Southwest Finland are heavy rainfall events, heatwaves, deterioration of biodiversity and agricultural drought. These risks must be addressed proactively, collaboratively and fairly.<\/p>\n
Adaptation measures have been incorporated across the roadmap\u2019s sectors. In planning energy and transport systems, particular attention must be paid to increasing heavy rainfall, storms and changing winter conditions. In community structure and land use, key measures include strengthening blue-green infrastructure and promoting catchment-based planning. These measures help manage the impacts of both flooding and drought.<\/p>\n
The significance of climate resilience extends well beyond environmental issues. Proactive preparedness supports regional vitality, security of supply and operational capability while also strengthening the conditions for future investments.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdaptation measures help ensure that Southwest Finland remains a vibrant region with a high quality of life for its residents. The impacts of climate change are already visible in many ways, and climate resilience has become an increasingly important factor for competitiveness and investment. This is why action is needed across all sectors,\u201d emphasises Regional Mayor Jyri Arponen.<\/p>\n
From a regional perspective, climate action is also closely linked to broader advocacy and interest representation. Strengthening climate resilience requires investments in areas such as energy and transport systems, sustainable community structures, research and innovation. At the same time, a changing climate increases the need for preparedness and foresight.<\/p>\n
The measures included in the Climate Roadmap also support the objectives of the Southwest Finland Strategy by strengthening the region\u2019s sustainable competitiveness, comprehensive security and ability to respond to future changes through cooperation between different stakeholders.<\/p>\n
A carbon-neutral and climate-resilient Southwest Finland is built together. Through a shared vision and long-term collaboration, the region can strengthen its capacity to respond both to the challenges posed by climate change and to the demands of a changing operating environment.<\/p>\n