Parliament has approved the new Climate Change Act by 121-42 votes. The goal is for Finland to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035.
The new Climate Change Act sets new climate targets. In addition to the carbon neutrality target, the law sets emission reduction targets for 2030 and 2040. The target for strengthening carbon sinks is included in the Act. With the reform, the Act will be extended to the land use sector.
To reach the emission reduction targets, the Climate Change Act lays down provisions on national climate change policy plans that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Finland and promote climate change adaptation.
By the new Climate Change Act, a Sámi Climate Council will be set up as an independent expert body that will produce information and give opinions on climate policy plans from the perspective of the Sámi culture. The Act would also obligate the authorities to negotiate with the Sámi Parliament when drafting climate plans.
The new Climate Change Act is to enter into force on 1 July 2022.
The bill was approved in accordance with the report of the Environment Committee (YmVM 2/2022).
At the same time, Parliament adopted two resolutions:
Parliament requires that the Government submit a Government proposal to supplement the Climate Change Act with provisions on appeals and municipal climate obligations by the end of November 2022.
Parliament expects the Government to launch a pilot project in accordance with the government programme in 2022 to develop a voluntary carbon market and to create clear rules for the carbon market to ensure the reliability and transparency of the system.