New solutions for promoting the green economy and a more sustainable lifestyle
‘A lot is currently going on in the area of sustainable development in the Nordic countries and the Baltic Sea area. It is important that local actors as well as developers and users of innovations can meet to share their experiences and ideas,’ said Senior Adviser Annika Lindblom from the Ministry of the Environment, who led the preparatory group for the conference.
The three-day conference on sustainable development, called Solutions local, together, was held in Turku on 31 January to 2 February. It brought together more than 550 experts – local authorities and other stakeholders, and representatives of the business world – from 19 countries. Through the various workshops and discussions, new solutions were sought for creative urban planning, sustainable consumption, protection of the Baltic Sea, combating of climate change, and renewable energy use.
The main idea of sustainable development is to get more and more from less and less. Professor Peter Lund of Aalto University pointed out in his speech that restricting global warming to two degrees would only cost each and every one of us the same as a cup of coffee per day for the next 40–50 years. He called for radical solutions and innovations to promote sustainable energy production. ‘Currently, the Baltic Sea area consumes a significant proportion of Europe’s energy, but it is also an important producer and exporter of energy. In proportional terms, the use of renewable energy is higher here than in other parts of the EU; however, it could still be considerably higher,’ Lund said.
In her opening speech, Mari Kiviniemi, Prime Minister of Finland, highlighted the pioneering role of the Nordic region in sustainable development. In their panel discussion led by Minister of Housing Jan Vapaavuori from Finland, the Ministers for Nordic Co-operation pointed out that climate change is not only a threat but also an under-utilised opportunity for the green economy and finding new solutions for sustainable development.
The best innovations are created locally
The aim of the conference was to share positive experiences from innovations and models of operation while offering municipalities and other local actors genuinely productive and practical ideas. The best practical solutions for combating climate change were also recognised at the event. The awards went to the ECO2 – Eco-efficient Tampere 2020 project of the City of Tampere and to the snowcooling project of Snowpower AB and the County Council of Västernorrland, Sweden.
‘Many of the workshops called for increased cross-sector co-operation, as well as for courage to innovate and inspire others. Government policies can support and encourage, but the boldest and most innovative solutions are often found locally,’ Lindblom pointed out.
More solutions for sustainable development will be explored later in Umeå, Sweden, which will host the next conference.
The Solutions local, together conference marked the start of the Finnish Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers. Climate change is the theme of the Finnish Presidency, which aims to transform the Nordic region into a stronger and more unified climate leader. The conference was organised by the Ministry of the Environment, Ministry of Education and Culture, Ministry of Employment and the Economy, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities, Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment for Southwest Finland, City of Turku, and Union of the Baltic Cities.
Contact information:
Annika Lindblom, Senior Adviser, Ministry of the Environment; tel. +358 400 143 919, e-mail address format [email protected] (for details of the programme)
Stella Aaltonen, Network Manager, Union of the Baltic Cities; tel. +358 44 907 5983, e-mail address [email protected] (for information on the arrangements for the conference)