Helsinki-Uusimaa Region joined the EU Mission on Adaptation in 2022, and therefore aims to be a climate resilient region by 2030. To achieve this, the region is currently preparing an adaptation plan which offers a regional outlook on our adaptation challenges. The work done in R4C strongly support this task, especially by providing with digital aids to highlight some of the adaptation challenges such as heat islands and flood risks, and by introducing the just transition approach.
While the regional adaptation plan seeks to make sure that the region is prepared for climate change on an administrative and strategic level, most of the actual adaptation efforts take place on the municipal level. The level of preparedness varies from one municipality to another, but especially the cities of the capital region of Helsinki are putting a lot of emphasis on the adaptation needs.
The City of Helsinki, is on the frontlines of building climate resilience. Climate change adaptation is increasingly a priority, and at the heart of Helsinki’s efforts lies the dedicated Climate Unit within the Urban Environment Division. We spoke with Susanna Kankaanpää, a project manager specializing in climate change adaptation at the City of Helsinki, to understand the city’s approach to climate resilience and the strategies driving their work.
Susanna Kankaanpää, as a project manager in the Climate Unit of Helsinki’s Urban Environment Division, plays a crucial role in advancing climate adaptation strategies for the city. Her work focuses on preparing and coordinating citywide climate programs, ensuring these align with broader city strategies. Kankaanpää and her team draft climate plans and oversee their implementation, reporting progress to the division’s steering group. Her position involves extensive planning and fostering interdepartmental collaboration to ensure cohesive climate action across the city.
Helsinki’s climate change adaptation strategy focuses on proactive, risk-based approaches, prioritizing the most urgent threats. “We concentrate first on risk-based work and extreme weather events,” Kankaanpää explains, citing heavy rainfall, heat waves, and the long-term concern of rising sea levels as critical focus areas. A citywide working group determines these priorities, ensuring that the strategy remains aligned with local and regional needs.
The city’s adaptation efforts also emphasize integration across different urban functions, like green infrastructure and stormwater management. The Climate Unit is also exploring innovative solutions, such as green roofs tailored to Finland’s northern climate, which pose unique challenges due to harsh winters.
Challenges and the Road to Effective Adaptation
Adapting to climate change poses several challenges. “Adaptation is a new area for the city, and no ready processes exist,” Kankaanpää says. While awareness and knowledge are gradually increasing, there is still a lack of widespread understanding of the unique and intensifying impacts of climate change. Practical solutions are sometimes absent despite a wealth of research-based information. To combat these challenges, the city is developing processes to streamline adaptation efforts and foster leadership in this area.
Collaboration across city departments is essential, with a mix of working groups and targeted initiatives. The Climate Unit employs both top-down communication, with guidance from higher-level steering groups, and cross-functional engagement through webinars and knowledge-sharing sessions.
Although much of the city’s current focus remains on internal strategies and infrastructure, efforts to involve local communities and businesses are ongoing. Resources like flood preparedness guides for citizens and heatwave instructions from social and health services aim to increase public awareness. In addition, the city engages with private sector representatives in working groups and provides accessible environmental data for broader use.
The city also acknowledges the importance of collaborating with external partners, including research institutes, regional actors, national organizations, and NGOs. These relationships are crucial for advancing knowledge and implementing effective climate resilience measures.
Looking Ahead: Ambitions for a Resilient Future
In the next five to ten years, Kankaanpää envisions significant strides in Helsinki’s climate adaptation efforts. “Our knowledge base is improving fast, and in 1-2 years, we can start planning comprehensively for heat waves and definitely for heavy rains,” she shares. She hopes to see clear processes from planning to implementation, supported by a robust monitoring and evaluation system. Achieving political consensus on the necessary level of adaptation is also a top priority, especially concerning heavy rain and heat wave responses.
While climate adaptation in Helsinki is still a developing field, the city’s commitment is evident. Through strategic planning, stakeholder collaboration, and a focus on data-driven solutions, Helsinki aims to secure a climate-resilient future for its residents and the broader Uusimaa region.
