THE SUSTAINABLE  FUTURE OF LAHTI 

Lahti is taking accelerated action towards becoming carbon neutral by 2025. The goal is set ten years ahead of Finland’s national target and 25 years ahead of the EU vision.

^{Ruusu Jääskeläinen became a vegetarian at the age of twelve. Lahti has a number of future goals related to food: for example, red meat has already been reduced in school and kindergarten menus by 42% since 2018.}

Lahti has a framework of long-term goals that outline strategies to improve the living environment for citizens, protect local nature and manage the city’s resources. Lahti’s Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan is currently being implemented as it is central to becoming carbon neutral by 2025.

Lahti intends to develop as an environmental city, and environmental targets are incorporated into all plans, budgets and actions. The city’s main environmental goals are to:

– Become carbon neutral by 2025
– Cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2025 compared to 1990 levels
– Have a zero-waste circular economy by 2050
– Protect nature and valuable surface water and groundwater areas
– Encourage people to use sustainable modes of transport: walking, cycling, public transport – even skiing

Future maker: Ruusu Jääskeläinen

Young people throughout Europe are being greatly impacted by the decisions that cities are making right now. They will experience the benefits and consequences of environmental actions that are taken – or not taken – today.

Ruusu Jääskeläinen, 16, from Lahti, is figuring out what her sustainable journey will be like. Ruusu says she first began thinking about how her choices impact the planet when she was 12 years old.

“The more I learned, the more I realised how much more we can do for our environment. I watched a lot of great environmental documentaries, and they taught me a lot. One was about animals and the food industry”, explains Ruusu. “And after I saw it, I decided to become a vegetarian.”

Her mother took it well when she explained to her that she did not want to harm the lives of animals anymore.

“I was quite lucky because my mum already knew how to cook vegetarian food, and after I told her about my vegetarianism, she made sure there was always a meat-free option on the table. Nowadays I can also cook my meals by myself.”

But some of her friends and peers’ initial reactions surprised Ruusu.

“At first, some of my friends didn’t even believe that vegetarian food could taste good. Now they think differently and don’t find it weird anymore.”
Ruusu thinks everyone can choose what they eat, but no one should feel pressured to go all-out on things.

She also joined her school’s nature club. “That’s when I really began to understand how big a difference even the smallest actions can have.”

Making an impact through friendly discussion

Ruusu believes the best way to influence others is through discussion. “A good conversation allows multiple opinions and a chance to explain things from your own perspective. I believe that the best thing anyone can do for our environment is to have the willingness to learn more.”

So far, she has not experienced any unpleasant situations in face-to-face discussions, but social media is different in Ruusu’s opinion.

“For example, on TikTok people tend to be mean towards anyone who talks about the environment. I try and ignore the mean comments on social media”, says Ruusu.

Ruusu took part when schools around the world marched for the climate. She thought the march was a great collaborative way to show support for an important cause and hopes to participate in similar events again in the future.

“I wish in the future that big political decisions would be made with the environment in mind. I’m waiting for the moment I turn 18 and get to vote in the Finnish elections. ”