Report: North Karelia project could serve as model for climate action

Finns see climate change as great threat

print this

Nearly all Finns are concerned about climate change, and most see it as a significant threat. According to a fresh report, three out of four would be ready to change their behaviour to curb climate change. However, many are deterred from altering their lifestyle because they doubt the readiness of others for concrete action on climate matters.
      A report published on Tuesday by the Prime Minister’s Office says that Finland would need more of a “yes, we can” attitude in order to turn concerns into action.
      The North Karelia project, which brought about a sharp reduction in cardiovascular disease in the 1970s, is seen as a positive example. A project extending from legislation to ordinary life could inspire people to modify their lifestyles toward producing lower emissions.
     
“A great hazard is that many might end up just watching on the sidelines”, says Aleksi Neuvonen of the Demos Helsinki think tank.
      “People are worried and know what they should do, but now they are just waiting to see what other people will do.”
      A map of actions drawn up by Demos Helsinki puts forward steps toward a low-emission Finland.
      Permanent lifestyle changes also call for laws and political decisions, as well as education, and examples for local and peer-based communities.
      There is also plenty that could be done the media, as well as by those who serve as lifestyle role models, opinion leaders, and "gatekeepers", such as building standard enforcement and appliance salespeople.
     
The role of local communities is seen as important.
      “A change will not be achieved by issuing orders alone. A ‘yes we can’ spirit does not emerge in modern society through top-down legislation alone”, Neuvonen says.
      In his view, people are motivated by the knowledge that others are behaving in an environmentally friendly manner as well.
      The results of the report are to be used in the preparation of a climate and energy policy document.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  New international climate agreement would saddle Finland with sizeable supplementary bill (2.9.2008)
  New documentary highlights role of personal lifestyle choices in fighting climate change (24.8.2008)
  Farewell (and good riddance?) to cheap oil (10.8.2008)
  Warming climate could bring many refugees to Finland (5.5.2008)
  EU aims at being climate pioneer, despite problems (14.3.2008)

Links:
  Prime Minister’s Office prss release 9.9.2008:`Yes we can´ attitude needed in climate communications
  National Public Health Institute: North Karelia Project

Helsingin Sanomat