Long history of climate activities in Kuopio

Kuopio (Finland) has been active in climate change mitigation activities since 1997.

The city conducted its first greenhouse gas emissions inventory in 1997, which led to its first local climate strategy in 2003.  The strategy was based on the recognition of local characteristics, identifying ways to influence, and on the promotion of cooperation between the most important actors.

With the support of the national Finnish Climate Change Information Programme, the strategy and climate change in general were made known through a comprehensive local information campaign directed to inhabitants, entrepreneurs and decision-makers.

City personnel were trained in issues related to energy use, encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises in energy and environmental matters, and by promoting energy saving measures in public bodies and real estate companies. 

Kuopio has been cited for its work by the national Finnish Energy Saving Week (2003), and has received recognition by the climate campaign of the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities (2005).

More and more cities are facing the need to mitigate climate change while already adapting to the changes brought about by climate change.  ICLEI’s Cities for Climate Protection^® (CCP) Campaign is an innovative international campaign that helps local government and their communities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on the environment.   And now, the CCP Campaign is launching the Adaptation Initiative, building capacity for climate change impacts at the local level.  For more information, please visit www.iclei.org/ccp.

Kuopio is one of 16 local governments in Finland that are currently Members of ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability.  For more information on ICLEI and its activities in the European Region, please visit www.iclei.org/europe.

Source:  ‘Local Authorities and Climate Change’ by the Local and Regional Government Finland.