Finland´s measures not enough to reach climate goals: OECD

The current measures taken by Finland to achieve the carbon neutrality target will not be enough to reach the goals that have been set and this will be a challenge for Finland in the coming decade, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

OECD in its review published on Monday, however, said that the development of Finland’s environmental policy has been positive in recent years, Ministry of the Environment in a press release.

The OECD considers the carbon neutrality target and targets related to promoting biodiversity and a circular economy as highly relevant.

The review sums up the results of the OECD country review on environmental policy carried out in 2020-2021 and gives recommendations on how Finland could further improve the performance of its environmental policy.

The recommendations concern nature conservation, air quality, waste management, circular economy, water protection, environmental administration and green growth measures, as well as climate change mitigation and adaptation.

As a theme that further deepens the analysis, the report discusses measures related to climate change mitigation. The OECD recommends more coherence in the implementation of Finland’s climate policy.

Accessible and low-emission transport, low-carbon energy production and improving the energy efficiency of buildings and residential areas are the means by which Finland’s climate targets could best be promoted.

“Finland aims to be carbon neutral by 2035, which can only be achieved through a coherent policy. The key actions to reach the targets will be set out in the Medium-term Climate Change Policy Plan to 2035 and in the Climate and Energy Strategy. The OECD report also gives good insights regarding the national commitment to be prepared next year for the implementation of the EU Biodiversity Strategy, which in many respects will provide a framework for Finland’s future measures to protect biodiversity, especially in forest nature,” said Minister of the Environment and Climate change Emma Kari.

The OECD considers that the high level of environmental awareness among the Finns in general and our deep connections with nature may support the implementation of environmental policy. However, further measures are needed so that the goals that have been set can be achieved in practice.

“Finland should turn its ambitious strategies into effective and coherent action. Integrated policy packages are needed to encourage behavioural changes and steer the transition towards carbon neutrality. More efforts are also needed to reduce threats to biodiversity, curb waste generation and improve material use”, said Director for the Environment Directorate, Rodolfo Lacy.

This was the third OECD country review on Finland’s environmental policy. The previous one was conducted in 2009.