The EU Mission Label was awarded to the City of Helsinki based on its Climate City Contract (CCC), developed to lay out the city’s plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. The contract includes a wide range of measures to reduce emissions, promote sustainable development and improve the city’s living environment.
“We are proud of this recognition, which indicates that we are on the right path towards carbon neutrality. Helsinki is committed to being a pioneer in climate work, and this distinction encourages us to continue our efforts with even more determination,” said Helsinki Mayor Juhana Vartiainen.
The Mission Label is a tool for cities in Europe to plan and implement concrete actions in a collaborative way to reach climate neutrality by 2030 together with a wide range of actors. The recognition will help the City of Helsinki to secure future EU-level funding and private investment for its climate work. The recognition also increases confidence in the long-term sustainability of the city's plans.
“According to the current forecast, Helsinki will achieve 80 per cent of its emissions reduction target by 2030. What remains will have to be either compensated for or additional emission-reducing measures will have to be implemented. Seeing as how our last coal-fired power plant was closed this spring, traffic will account for most of our emissions moving forward. The more we can reduce traffic emissions, the better the local benefits will be. This includes the improved health of Helsinki’s residents,” said Hanna Wesslin, the City of Helsinki’s Climate Director.
Helsinki’s Carbon-Neutral Helsinki Action Plan was judged by the European Commission’s Awards Committee to be remarkably progressive, due to its proactive strategy. The plan addresses indirect emissions and residual emissions, which demonstrates the city's commitment to comprehensive climate action.