SMALL AND NORTHERN

Text: Pekka Timonen, Mayor of Lahti

Lahti’s transition from a traditional industrial town into a modern green city is a true European success story, that can inspire hope in uncertain times.

Lahti’s story of sustainability begins with the rapid industrial growth back in the 1940s. The industry brought new people in the city, but it also put its strain on the local environment. When the depression struck Lahti in the 1970s, we faced mass unemployment. That was when we decided to invest in our future. Ever since then we have paved the way towards carbon-neutrality by collaborating with the universities, local businesses and public.

A positive change starts with pioneering cities. Cities that are prepared to try new things, to involve and challenge others, and be willing to learn from one another. Only by working together we can make Lahti the first big city in Finland to become completely carbon-neutral by 2025.

Here in Lahti, we have undergone a huge energy revolution by abandoning coal in all energy production. We have the world’s first carbon-neutral symphony orchestra, and the world’s first carbon-neutral professional sports club. Ours is the first city in the world that has a personal carbon trading system for local citizens. We may be the first, but we do not want to be alone.

And now, our experience needs to be shared. We are the European Green Capital of 2021 – as the first city in Finland, and as the smallest and the northernmost city to be ever awarded this title.

Cities need to take action to ensure sustainable futures for their citizens. This year we want to welcome the world to Lahti to show what an inspiring place this is.

Pekka Timonen
Mayor of Lahti