Fast-warming Arctic region worries Niinistö

President Sauli Niinistö on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the fast-warming Arctic region and emphasised the necessity for reducing emissions of carbon and methane in Arctic.

“As an arctic country, Finland is particularly concerned about the fast-warming Arctic region. Everyone else should be concerned too: if we lose the arctic, we lose the globe. In the Arctic, reducing black carbon and methane emissions is essential,” said Niinistö at the World Leaders’ Summit in Glasgow.

The President also underscored the need for ensuring adequate climate finance.

“Ensuring adequate climate finance is crucial. Finland is doing its part by almost doubling its climate finance to developing countries. By co-chairing the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action, we also encourage the integration of climate action into national budgeting. Many truly impactful measures lie in this domain;” he said.

Niinistö said that no emission reduction measure will be enough without taking care of carbon sinks.

“As the most forested country in Europe, Finland places great importance to sustainable use of forests. Every year, 150 million trees are planted in Finland. Globally, we need to strengthen efforts to halt forest loss,” said the President.

Pointing out the first World Climate Conference in Geneva in 1979, he said that experts from around the world that time termed climate change as a serious threat.

“In 1990, the IPCC published its first assessment report that highlighted the global consequences of climate change. For decades, science has been sounding the alarm bell. During these decades, we have gained more knowledge. We know the risks,” he said.

Niinistö said that a lot has been done. The Paris Agreement was a historic milestone, and after that, many countries have set new climate goals.

“Finland belongs to the most ambitious: we aim to be carbon neutral by 2035,” he added.

“But we have reached a point where we need to move beyond goals and pledges. Change may seem inconceivable but only until we act. Combatting climate change is one of our weightiest human responsibilities,” said Niinistö.