Finland: Evaluation of the implementation of Finland’s national strategy for adaptation to climate change 2009

Finland’s National Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change was completed in 2005. A Coordination Group for Adaptation to Climate Change was appointed to follow and promote the implementation of the strategy, with representatives of ministries, research institutes, research funding agencies and regional actors. The Coordination Group steered the evaluation of the implementation of the Adaptation Strategy conducted in winter 2008–2009, which will be utilised in the future work of the Group.

The evaluation of the implementation of the Adaptation Strategy was conducted by a survey of whether and how the measures presented in the strategy have been launched in different sectors. According to the preliminary adaptation indicator developed in the context of this work, Finland, on average, is on step 2 in adaptation (on a scale from 1 to 5). This means that among the decision-makers there is at least some understanding of the impacts of climate change and the need for adaptation measures has been recognised, at least to a certain extent. Some practical adaptation measures have also been identified and plans have been made or even launched for their implementation.

Finland’s National Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change will be reviewed in 2011–2013 and, besides the new needs identified in Finland, the content of the strategy will be revised on the basis of the adaptation strategy work in the EU and more extensive international cooperation in the context of climate change adaptation.