The Challenges of Climate Actions are Solved in Northern Ostrobothnia through Cross-Sectoral Cooperation

Abstract

Oulu University of Applied Sciences participated in the LIFE-IP CANEMURE-FINLAND project as the regional coordinator for the Northern Ostrobothnia region from 2018 to 2024. The CANEMURE project offered concepts for mitigating climate change and increased capacity to disseminate climate action. The project led by the Finnish Environment Institute and experts from climate work organizations were partners. In Northern Ostrobothnia, the CANEMURE project focused on close collaboration with various stakeholders and residents. In cooperation with the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia, the CANEMURE project contributed to the development of a climate roadmap. The region’s climate goals have been approached by utilizing the long-term work, and experience of partners across various sectors and leveraging opportunities for influence. The climate roadmap, which emerged based on the latest information and interaction, includes a description of the current situation, key themes with measures, and a model for monitoring and promoting progress. The climate roadmap was expanded through updates by consulting new sectors and paying special attention to climate change adaptation. We will go through how regional climate information has been collected in the climate roadmap of Northern Ostrobothnia 2.0 and analyze it by comparing it to other regional climate road maps. It is important to note that the following climate road map was not based on scientific research but aimed to connect regional development plans from a climate perspective. The principle underlying the preparation of the climate road map was “Seeking solutions, not culprits”. The approach has been plentiful, and as a result, the region has committed to the created roadmap.