Summary Finland sets world's most ambitious climate target in law www.climatechangenews.com
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Finland has enacted an ambitious law to achieve net zero emissions by 2035 and carbon negativity by 2040.
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Key Points
- Finland has passed the world's most ambitious climate target into law, aiming to reach net zero by 2035 and net negative by 2040.
- The target was set based on analysis by a group of independent economists, considering Finland's fair share of global emissions based on population, ability to pay, and historic responsibility for causing climate change.
- Most developed countries have set 2050 net zero targets, but Finland's analysis suggests that Germany and the EU should reach net zero in the early to mid-2030s.
- Finland's ability to meet its climate targets will depend on its forests, which have recently released more greenhouse gases than they absorbed due to deforestation.
- Finnish logging companies contribute to deforestation by turning trees into pulp and paper, which is often advertised as climate-friendly and renewable.
- The Finnish government is working on its first-ever climate plan, and the energy transition has been accelerated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- Finland's climate target does not rely on international carbon offsets, where one country pays another to reduce emissions on its behalf.
Summaries
21 word summary
Finland passes law for world's most ambitious climate target, aiming for net zero emissions by 2035 and carbon negative by 2040.
64 word summary
Finland has passed a law setting the world's most ambitious climate target. It aims to reach net zero emissions by 2035 and become carbon negative by 2040. The target was determined based on fair share of global carbon emissions, collaboration with researchers, and addressing deforestation. Finland aims to achieve its targets without relying on international carbon offsets, setting a high standard for other countries.
131 word summary
Finland has passed a new law setting the world's most ambitious climate target. The country aims to reach net zero emissions by 2035 and become carbon negative by 2040. Finland's target was determined based on its fair share of global carbon emissions, taking into account population, ability to pay for emissions reductions, and historic responsibility for climate change. Finland's environment minister emphasized the importance of setting the target in collaboration with researchers and the climate science community. The success of Finland in meeting its climate targets will largely depend on addressing deforestation and accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources. Finland aims to achieve its targets without relying on international carbon offsets. Overall, Finland's climate target sets a high standard for other countries to follow in the fight against climate change.
426 word summary
Finland has passed a new law setting the world's most ambitious climate target. The country aims to reach net zero emissions by 2035 and become carbon negative by 2040. Only South Sudan has a more ambitious net zero date, but its target is highly dependent on international finance. Finland's target was determined based on its fair share of global carbon emissions, taking into account population, ability to pay for emissions reductions, and historic responsibility for climate change. This approach is believed to be the first of its kind.
Finland's environment minister, Emma Kari, emphasized the importance of setting the target in collaboration with researchers and the climate science community. Most developed countries, including the European Union and the USA, have set net zero targets for 2050. However, the Finnish analysis suggests that Germany and the EU should reach net zero in the early to mid-2030s. Kari believes that targets should be based on climate science and the Paris Agreement, and if they are not compatible with these frameworks, they should be adjusted.
The success of Finland in meeting its climate targets will largely depend on its forests, which cover three-quarters of its land area. Recent figures from Statistics Finland indicate that the country's forests have released more greenhouse gases than they absorbed for the first time. Deforestation has been increasing, cancelling out emissions reductions from energy as Finland moves away from fossil fuels. Logging companies in Finland turn trees into pulp and paper, which are often marketed as climate-friendly and renewable when burned for energy.
Finland's ministry of agriculture and forestry is working on its first-ever climate plan, and Kari stated that Russia's invasion of Ukraine has accelerated Finland's energy transition. The government is pushing ahead with wind power and improving energy efficiency in buildings to reduce reliance on fossil fuel heating. Notably, Finland aims to meet its climate targets without relying on international carbon offsets, where one country pays another to reduce emissions on its behalf.
In conclusion, Finland has set an ambitious climate target in law, aiming for net zero emissions by 2035 and becoming carbon negative by 2040. The target was determined based on the country's fair share of global carbon emissions and has broad cross-party support in Finland. The success of Finland in meeting its climate targets will depend on addressing deforestation and accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources. The country aims to achieve its targets without relying on international carbon offsets. Overall, Finland's climate target sets a high standard for other countries to follow in the fight against climate change.