One city in Finland is trying hard to stop putting out greenhouse gas emissions that cause Climate change. Here are the key points about how they are becoming “carbon neutral”:
- The old industrial city transformed itself to be more eco-friendly
- Switching to renewable energy sources like wood and waste
- Encouraging bicycling, public transit, and sustainable living
- Set ambitious goals to eliminate net carbon emissions by the late 2020s
Want to learn more about how this Finnish city of 12,000 people is going green? Keep reading!
Cleaning Up Industrial Past
Lรคti used to be a heavily polluted industrial town. However, over the past few decades, significant changes have been made to protect the environment.
In the early 2000s, Lรคti produced yearly emissions of over 1 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2). Through efforts like:
- Shutting down a coal power plant
- Building a new plant that burns wood chips and waste instead
- Investing in clean electric buses and expanding bike lanes
By 2020, the city had reduced its emissions to only 100,000 tonsโreducing them by over 1 million tons in 20 years!
Involving the Whole Community
To become genuinely carbon neutral, Lรคti is getting everyone in the community involved in going green. Though some residents have been slow to change habits, many are:
- Biking or taking public transit instead of driving
- Eating more vegetarian food
- Reducing household energy use
The city has programs to encourage sustainable living, like:
- Apps that track your environmental impact
- Recycling and composting initiatives
- Engaging events and info campaigns
Even the local orchestra is working to eliminate their carbon footprint.
Setting Bold “Net Zero” Goals
Lรคti’s leaders have set the bold goal of becoming one of the world’s first carbon-neutral cities by the late 2020s. Their plan is to:
- Cut emissions by 80% compared to early 2000s levels
- Offset any remaining emissions through carbon capture projects
“We won’t make our 2025 target, but reaching carbon neutral by 2026, 2027 or 2028 is possible,” said a city official.
While the work isn’t unfinished, Lรคti shows how an industrial city can go green with renewable energy and sustainable living. Their example could inspire other communities to take climate action.
Conclusion
The city of Lรคti in Finland is making significant progress towards becoming carbon neutral and eliminating net greenhouse gas emissions. However, it will require a few more years of hard work.
Their creative strategies, such as shifting to renewable power sources, encouraging cycling and public transportation, and involving the entire community in eco-friendly initiatives, could set an example for cities worldwide.
The critical question is: What other bold actions can cities take to protect the climate and create a sustainable future?
