A SUSTAINABLE NORDIC REGION
Climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution are some of the biggest challenges facing humanity. We must find common Nordic solutions to them 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 adoption of circular economic solutions, a transition to low-emission transport in a technically and economically sustainable way, and efforts to protect and strengthen 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 presents a significant opportunity for Nordic rural and urban areas. Rural and remote areas can leverage the development opportunities that come with the transition. The conditions for the transition may be affected by both land use and regional development. Clean energy facilitates industrial renewal and new investment, along with the new jobs that these entail. The clean transition presents different opportunities for different regions, which is why considerations such as regional justice and acceptability are important.
Demographic changes pose challenges for both growing city regions and areas with shrinking populations. That said, pull factors and prerequisites for a good life can be found in all kinds of areas. Smart adaptation is needed in areas with shrinking populations 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 prerequisites for a good life in all regions, this is especially important for regions facing development traps.
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. With this in mind, there is a need to promote the development and utilisation of solutions for industrial CCUS, including those based on the separation, storage and utilisation of bio-based carbon dioxide. During its presidency, Finland will deepen Nordic CCUS cooperation 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 in this area going forward. The Nordic Region’s strength lies in the abundant mineral resources in its bedrock and in the knowledge of how to utilise 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 mitigating climate impacts are key areas of cooperation within this sector. The development of bio-based industries, agriculture and forestry, and fishing and water use play a key role in society’s adaptation to climate change. The transition towards more sustainable energy solutions for the fishing industry is a central theme of the presidency. Cooperation on developing new protein sources creates opportunities for competitive and sustainable production while also improving resilience.
Nordic cooperation is identifying ways to promote the healthy and sustainable consumption of food while taking into account national circumstances. Work in this area includes implementing the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations, improving consumer awareness and reducing food waste. These themes are closely related to improving the environmental, economic, cultural and social sustainability of the food system, which plays a central role in achieving sustainable development.
Strengthening bioeconomic resilience and the food supply has taken on a more prominent role in Nordic cooperation. A competitive bioeconomy that can adapt to a changing climate also helps to improve the comprehensive security of society. Together, the Nordic countries can find solutions for maintaining and bolstering sustainable agricultural production in the face of global challenges.
Efforts to promote international cooperation on the environment and climate will continue during Finland’s presidency. Most of our current environmental and climate challenges extend beyond national borders and require solutions based on international cooperation and global partnerships.
The Nordic countries are effective international negotiators that assist in the implementation of ambitious environmental and climate agreements. In recent years, for instance, the Nordic countries have been active in the negotiations on a new global plastics treaty.
The Nordic Region will continue to be a global leader in an innovation-driven and competitive clean transition.