Solutions to climate change
Compared with the long term consequences of climate change even the financial crisis appears as nothing but a temporary turbulence.
Municipal elections are of great importance from the point of view of climate policy, because municipalities are in charge of solutions concerning housing, power production and traffic. Housing, traffic and food account for the bulk of the citizens’ emissions. It's very hard for an individual to reduce his or her emissions to a sustainable level by consumer choices only, unless the municipality supports these choices by offering good public transport, clean energy and energy efficient housing.
The city of Helsinki must consider the climate challenge in all of its decision making. Tackling climate change is the most important political issue of our times. The less we succeed, the heavier the bill in the future. No corner of the world can use difficult local circumstances as an excuse when common efforts to cut emissions are made worldwide. Compared with the long term consequences of climate change even the financial crisis appears as nothing but a temporary turbulence.
The city of Helsinki must reduce its emissions by the following means, among others:
- City planning that ensures every part of the city is easily accessible by public transport
- Keeping the cost of public transport low
- Introducing congestion charging
- Improving bicycle lanes
- Setting energy efficiency and low emissions as essential criteria in acquisitions
- Planning energy efficient housing
- Supporting energy efficient renovation of old buildings.