Climate work - Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia

Climate objectives are a key part of the development of the province and the planning of the use of the areas. We are looking for solutions to mitigate and adapt to climate change, but also to make full use of opportunities. We need the input of all sectors and all of us. The Climate Road Map 1.0 for Northern Ostrobothnia was approved by the Provincial Government on 15 February 2021. The update of the climate road map started in 2023. The update was adopted on 19 August 2024. You can read the climate road map and its core messages in Finnish or English.

In the 2024 update, the target for climate work in Northern Ostrobothnia remains the same: Towards carbon-neutral Northern Ostrobothnia!

In the update, the original policies and measures of the climate road map will not change. In order to maintain the message of Climate Roadmap 1.0 and the large amount of data, the updated 2.0 version contains the structure and content of the original Roadmap. The changes concern updates of data, such as greenhouse gas emissions; The latest figures are presented.

Greenhouse gas emissions from the burden sharing sector in the county have decreased 11 % from 2018 to 2022.
New information on key themes, such as energy and land use, has been added to the road map.
The cultural theme has been raised in the context of the top 7 theme.
The views of young people, organisations and the Education and Research Cooperation Group have been consulted.
Four Municipal Climate Plan workshops were organised for municipalities.
Several Climate Coffee events open to everyone.

The top themes of climate work in Northern Ostrobothnia are: 1. The smart bio- and circular economy serves as the basis for climate work; 2. The production and use of energy is sustainable, efficient and low-emission; 3. Transport is low-emission; 4. Agriculture develops as carbon sequestration; 5. Land use is climate-smart and promotes the circular economy: 6. Forests and swamps act as effective carbon sinks; 7. Cooperation and cross-sectoral operating models create vitality and business opportunities. Adaptation is part of the key themes. A total of 190 measures.

In climate work, everything matters!

The mandate for the work and the timeliness of the measures are based on the latest knowledge and extensive dialogue with the actors. The measures take into account the specific characteristics of the area and, in addition to climate objectives, strengthen environmental values and the vitality of the area. Consideration of social justice is central to the implementation of the measures. The results of this work will be used in the development of the county. The Climate Road Map is one of the ERDF funding criteria for the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia in future project applications.

The climate road map was made in extensive cooperation with stakeholders. The work is coordinated by the POPclimate project (in 2019-2021) in close cooperation with the Canemure project (Towards carbon-neutral municipalities and counties). The work was led by a wide-ranging organisation coordinated by the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia. the Advisory Board for Climate Action. Chairman of the 1st term of office Matias Ojalehto, 2nd Chairman Jussi Ylitalo (until 2024) and Chairman Lauri Nikula since 2025. Read more about the activities of the POPclimate project on the project's own website.

Further information:
Ritva Isomäki, Senior Specialist, ritva.isomaki(at)pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi, tel. +358 40 685 4026

Stop and listen to nature. Collaboration, agility and, on the other hand, toughness take us towards the better. Let's make climate action a part of our daily lives!