Finland’s net greenhouse gas emissions fell by about one percent in 2023, according to the government’s latest annual climate report. This figure reflects the balance between emissions produced and carbon absorbed, revealing the complex climate landscape the country faces.
The land use sector in Finland has continued to emit more greenhouse gases than it absorbs. Since 2018, this sector has been a net source of emissions rather than a carbon sink. More specifically, Finland’s forests have been in deficit since 2021, contributing to this trend.
Sally Weaver, senior specialist at the Ministry of the Environment, explained that the data is based on updated inventories and recent field observations. “Soil emissions are rising with the warming climate. Forest growth has slowed, and harvesting has remained high,” Weaver stated during a recent press briefing.
The report highlights that Finland is unlikely to meet the European Union’s carbon sink targets for the period 2021 to 2025. Outlooks for 2026 to 2030 are also unfavorable unless additional measures are introduced. Weaver emphasized that more action is urgently needed to reverse current trends.
In 2023, emissions within the EU-regulated emissions trading sector decreased by 14 percent. This sector covers heavy industry and power generation. The effort sharing sector, which includes transport, agriculture, waste management, and heating, saw a smaller decline of one percent.
Despite overall reductions, both sectors exceeded Finland’s annual emission allowances. Transport emissions rose last year, offsetting gains made in other areas. This rise was linked to a drop in the use of renewable fuels in the transport sector.
The Climate Act commits Finland to carbon neutrality by 2035. Achieving this means net greenhouse gas emissions must reach zero within the next decade. Weaver warned that current policies fall short of this ambitious goal. “Without significant additional action across all sectors, this target will not be reached,” she said.
The Act also sets stepped targets: a 60 percent reduction by 2030, 80 percent by 2040, and at least 90 percent by 2050 compared to 1990 emission levels. The report suggests these targets are unachievable under existing measures. However, the integration of carbon capture technologies may still make them feasible.
These climate goals are part of the agenda of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s government. Environment and Climate Minister Sari Multala confirmed the need for more decisive action. “Emissions from the land use sector are moving in the wrong direction. The scale of the challenge is significant,” she said.
Multala acknowledged the complexity of future decisions, noting that they will involve a range of measures requiring economic coordination and attention to biodiversity concerns. The government plans to outline new climate actions in the upcoming energy and climate strategy and medium-term climate policy plan, both due for public consultation soon.
Addressing earlier political criticism, Multala dismissed reports of internal government conflict over climate goals. She emphasized unity in tackling Finland’s climate challenges.
