Osallistuin Pohjois-Pohjanmaan edustajana CPMR:n ilmastotyöryhmän kokoukseen Sevillassa 27.5.2025.
Jos kiinnostaa, mitä minä siellä puhuin, niin tässäpä valmistelemani osuus:
I came here to advocate for an urgent and binding 90% emissions reduction target for EU by the year 2040, a target that the European Union must adopt and enforce. This is not merely a regional concern but a matter of global significance, and I will present to you compelling reasons why such an ambitious goal is both necessary and attainable.
First and foremost, we must acknowledge the overwhelming scientific consensus on climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has repeatedly warned that we are running out of time to prevent catastrophic global warming. A 90% reduction in emissions by 2040 is not an arbitrary figure; it aligns with the need to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
Oulu region, like many regions, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Our winters are becoming warmer, and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe. These changes threaten our agriculture, water resources, and biodiversity. The livelihoods of our residents, many of whom depend on natural resources, are at stake.
Transitioning to a low-carbon economy is not just about averting disaster; it also presents significant economic opportunities. Oulu region has the potential to become a leader in renewable energy and green technology. By setting a binding 90% reduction target, we can attract investment, create jobs, and stimulate innovation in sectors such as wind power, bioenergy, and sustainable forestry.
Reducing emissions also enhances our energy independence and security. Oulu region can harness its natural resources to produce clean energy, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and imported energy. This shift will make us more resilient to global energy market fluctuations and geopolitical tensions.
A binding emissions reduction target is also a matter of social responsibility and equity. Climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including low-income communities, the elderly, and future generations. By committing to a 90% reduction, we are taking a stand for social justice and ensuring a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
The European Union has a crucial role to play in this transition. As a leader in global climate policy, the EU must set ambitious and binding targets to drive action at all levels of government and across all sectors of the economy.
Achieving a 90% reduction in emissions will require unprecedented support and collaboration. The EU must provide the necessary financial and technical assistance to help Oulu region and other regions meet their targets. This includes funding for research and development, infrastructure projects, and capacity-building initiatives.
Flexibility between emission reduction sectors helps prevent carbon leakage by allowing sectors to balance their reduction efforts based on feasibility and costs. If one sector faces higher costs or technological constraints, another sector with lower costs or more advanced technologies can compensate by reducing more emissions. This cooperative approach ensures that overall reduction targets are met without shifting emissions to less regulated or costlier sectors, thereby maintaining the integrity of the climate action plan.
In conclusion, a binding 90% emissions reduction target by 2040 is not just a necessity; it is an opportunity. It is an opportunity to protect our environment, strengthen our economy, and uphold our social responsibilities. I urge the European Union to adopt this target and demonstrate its commitment to a sustainable and equitable future.
Thank you.
ja kysymykseen:
Should the European Union modify the current funding support to its climate action to comply with the new targets? If so, how could the Multiannual Financial Framework post-2027 be adapted and what are the most important thematic areas to be covered?
vastasin:
Yes, the European Union must adjust its current climate action funding to meet a 90% emissions reduction target by 2040.
To achieve the 90% emissions reduction target by 2040, the multiannual financial framework (MFF) post-2027 must be adapted in several key areas:
The MFF must allocate significantly more funding to climate action. This includes investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable infrastructure. By increasing financial support, the EU can accelerate the deployment of clean technologies and reduce emissions more rapidly.
A robust investment in research and development (R&D) is essential. The EU should prioritize funding for R&D initiatives that focus on innovative solutions for reducing emissions, such as advanced renewable energy technologies, strengthening carbon sinks, and sustainable agriculture practices. Supporting R&D will drive technological advancements and make low-carbon solutions more accessible and affordable.
Regions like Oulu will need capacity building to meet the 90% reduction target. The EU should provide funding for training programs and knowledge sharing, and technical support to help regions develop and implement effective climate action strategies. This will ensure that all regions have the necessary skills and expertise to transition to a low-carbon economy.
The transition to a low-carbon economy must be fair and inclusive. The MFF should include provisions for just transition mechanisms that support workers and communities affected by the shift away from fossil fuels. This could involve retraining programs, social protection measures, and investments in new economic opportunities to ensure that no one is left behind.
Effective climate governance is crucial for achieving the 90% reduction target. The EU should enhance its monitoring, reporting, and verification systems to ensure that regions are on track to meet their targets. Additionally, the MFF should support the development of climate action plans at the regional and local levels, ensuring that climate policies are tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of each region.
By adapting the multiannual financial framework post-2027 to prioritize increased funding for climate action, research and development, capacity building, just transition mechanisms, and strengthened climate governance, the EU can lead the way towards a sustainable and equitable future.
Thank you.
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