A SUSTAINABLE NORDIC REGION
Climate change, loss of biodiversity, and pollution are some of the biggest challenges that humanity faces. We must find common Nordic solutions by pursuing the technology-neutral production of clean energy, carbon neutrality, biodiversity, strong ecosystems, the circular economy, and a sustainable bioeconomy. The Nordic countries must continue to be world leaders in an innovation-driven and competitive clean transition.
The clean transition is enabling a transition to an environmentally sustainable economy and growth that is not based on the overconsumption of natural resources and fossil fuels. The transition to sustainable growth may involve increased investment in clean energy, the utilisation of circular economic solutions, a transition to low-emission transport in a technically and economically sustainable way, and the protection and strengthening of biodiversity. New technology and innovation in the field of energy are needed alongside increased production to cater for growing demand and to facilitate the transition to clean energy. Digitalisation, skills, and research play a key role in this.
The clean transition is a significant opportunity for Nordic rural and urban areas. Rural and remote areas can leverage the development opportunities that come with this transition. The conditions for the transition may be affected by both area utilisation and regional development. Clean energy facilitates industrial renewal and new investment, along with the new jobs that these entail. The possibility of transition varies from region to region, which is why considerations such as regional justice and acceptance are important.
Demographic changes pose challenges for both growing city regions and areas that are losing their population. There are, however, prerequisites for a good life and pull factors in every kind of area. Smart adaptation is needed in areas that are losing population or in remote areas, which may mean abandoning the goal of continuous population growth. Although it is necessary to identify and strengthen pull factors and the conditions for a good life in all regions, this is crucial for regions that are in a development trap.
The importance of industrial carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) is likely to increase in the next few years, alongside forest carbon sinks and sequestration. There is a need to promote the development and utilisation of solutions for industrial CCUS, including solutions based on the separation, storage, and utilisation of bio-based carbon dioxide. During its presidency, Finland will deepen Nordic CCUS co-operation and promote the exchange of information between authorities, research institutes, and other stakeholders in the field.
The global green and digital transitions are expected to increase demand for mineral raw materials, and the industry sees great opportunities going forwards. The strength of the Nordic Region is its abundant mineral resources in the bedrock and its knowledge about these minerals. The Nordic mineral sector can help to overcome global challenges while supporting the Nordic Region’s economic development. Taking environmental considerations into account provides opportunities to develop and utilise more sustainable solutions, both in the Nordics and around the world.
Stepping up the sustainability, resilience, and competitiveness of Nordic food production and the bioeconomy is an important goal. The presidency will promote the sustainable management and use of bio-based natural resources. Adapting to climate change and reducing climate impact are key areas of co-operation within this sector. The development of bio-based industries, agriculture and forestry, and fishing and water use are playing a key role in society’s adaptation to climate change. The transition in relation to energy solutions for the fishing industry is a central theme of the presidency. Co-operation to develop new protein sources both creates opportunities for competitive and sustainable production and improves resilience.
Nordic co-operation is identifying ways to promote the healthy and sustainable consumption of food with regard to national circumstances. This concerns, for example, efforts to implement the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations, improve consumer information, and reduce food waste. These themes are closely related to improving the environmental, economic, cultural, and social sustainability of the food system, which is a central issue in efforts to achieve the goal of sustainable development.
The strengthening of bioeconomic resilience and food supply has been given a more prominent role in Nordic co-operation. A competitive bioeconomy that adapts to a changing climate also helps to improve social security overall. Together, the Nordic countries can find solutions to maintain and bolster sustainable agricultural production in the face of global challenges.
The promotion of international co-operation on the environment and climate will continue under Finland’s presidency. Current environmental and climate challenges are largely cross-border, requiring solutions by way of international co-operation and global partnerships. The Nordic countries are effective international negotiators and assist in the implementation of ambitious environmental and climate agreements. In recent years, the Nordic countries have been active in the negotiation of a new international plastic agreement, for instance.
The Nordic Region shall continue to be a global leader in an innovation-driven and competitive clean transition.