Lahti will be climate neutral in the coming years
Lahti has long held one of the most ambitious climate goals among cities: to achieve climate neutrality by 2025, aiming to reduce emissions by 80 percent from 1990 levels. While significant strides have been made, it has become clear that the 2025 target year is not achievable.
The target was tightened in 2019 when it seemed possible to reach with hard work and some luck. Achieving climate neutrality is not a given; for a city to reach this goal ahead of others, it requires more work than elsewhere. A bit of good fortune might have provided the final push, like an unusually mild winter.
Over the years, emission calculation methods have become more accurate, and the definition of climate neutrality has tightened. Updated calculations reveal that Lahti’s emissions in 1990—the baseline year for carbon neutrality goals—were lower than previously estimated. This means the path to the goal is more extended than initially anticipated. Depending on the calculation method, emissions have now been reduced by 60–70 percent.
Road Traffic Emissions as the Biggest Challenge
The biggest issue, however, is not changes in calculation methods but road traffic emissions. Forerunners must do more than others, and Lahti has faced challenges in this area. Reducing road traffic emissions requires a reduction in car usage. In terms of the share of walking, cycling, and public transport, Lahti lags significantly behind other major cities. The electrification of transport will also have a significant impact, but from Lahti’s perspective, progress has been too slow.
The energy sector has been a key player in reducing emissions in Lahti and is expected to continue in the coming years. However, it alone will not be enough to cover all the required emission reductions.
Achieving climate neutrality also depends on broader national actions. The city’s efforts alone are insufficient; support at the national level, for instance, is essential to effectively implement reductions in the transport and energy sectors. Furthermore, collaboration between the city, businesses, and residents is crucial.
Lahti Continues Its Work Toward a Climate-Neutral Future
The City Council will address the target in the 2025 budget discussions, but one thing is sure: Lahti remains committed to a climate-neutral future. According to the latest emissions forecast, the goal could be achieved by 2028 if the Ren-Gas hydrogen economy centre is realized on schedule. Continued development of public transportation, walking, and cycling is also essential, and cutting their resources endangers the goal.
Being a forerunner means setting ambitious goals and doing everything possible to achieve them. The path to the goal is not always clear when setting the target; adjustments are made along the way. Delays are not failures but evidence of the city’s courage and commitment to ambitious environmental efforts that lead toward a more sustainable city.
Lahti’s bold and ambitious goal has sent a message about how much more cities could be doing for the climate. Inspired by this example, many cities in Finland and Europe have strengthened their climate goals.
