Turku to Host Climate Forum on 26 August, Showcasing Urban Solutions to Cut Emissions

Turku will host the Turku Climate Forum on 26 August 2026, bringing EU, national and municipal climate experts together to debate next steps in climate action and the role cities play in building a sustainable, safe and competitive future.

Participants include Finnish members of the EU Cities Mission – Turku, Espoo, Helsinki, Lahti, Lappeenranta and Tampere – alongside national officials, researchers and business representatives, who will showcase urban solutions that have delivered significant emissions cuts. The event presents cities as the places where energy transitions, low-emission transport and adaptation measures become everyday reality. The EU is pursuing ambitious emissions targets for 2040 and 2050.

Marjo Nummelin, the Ministry of the Environment’s chief negotiator for Finland’s climate affairs, said the climate impacts seen across Europe this summer underline the urgency of action. "Work to limit climate change is more important than ever, in Finland, the EU and internationally. Finland is committed to carbon neutrality by 2035. Cities and municipalities have a central role in reaching that national target, and many have set even more ambitious goals," she said.

Speakers highlighted concrete municipal measures. Turku’s updated climate plan, approved by the city council in June 2026, sets targets for consumption emissions, monitors the affordability of energy and mobility, and ties green financing more closely to local vitality. The city has also reached its 75 percent emissions reduction target on schedule despite population growth.

Espoo and Helsinki plan to propose zero-emission truck and van zones this autumn, while Lahti is prioritising freight emissions and heavy-vehicle electrification. Tampere has recorded a 78 percent rise in light-rail trips from 2022 to 2025 and expects new electric plusbus routes in 2028. Lappeenranta is lowering district heating emissions and experimenting with an AI-managed heat battery.

The forum’s emphasis on municipal solutions echoes recent local initiatives such as Tampere's Urban Prosumers programme, which supports resident-led climate experiments.

Risto Veivo, Turku’s climate director, said, "The next years are decisive in climate work. Cities’ role is highlighted because decisions on energy, transport, construction and the living environment are made there, in other words, the foundations for everyday life." The Turku Climate Forum is part of the Europe Forum programme, and sessions will be available afterward on the Europe Forum YouTube channel.