Prime Minister Orpo at COP28: climate targets need to be accompanied by concrete steps

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo delivered Finland’s national address at the UN Climate Change Conference COP28 in Dubai on the second day of the summit of heads of state and government on Saturday 2 December.

Prime Minister Orpo emphasised the need to act with urgency and determination and to make clear political commitments to put the world on track to limit climate change to 1.5 degrees, as agreed in the Paris Agreement. The most crucial action is a rapid clean energy transition away from fossil fuels.

“To enable the transition, we should agree on global targets for renewables and energy efficiency. These targets need to be accompanied by concrete steps towards phasing out fossil fuels and subsidies that support their use, and recognising the role of other carbon-free technologies, such as nuclear power.”

At the start of the conference, the parties to the UN Convention on Climate Change reached an agreement on a fund to compensate for climate loss and damage. The Prime Minister confirmed that Finland stands ready to support the new fund with EUR 3 million.

Orpo underlined that Finland’s ambitious climate targets can only be reached with strong public-private cooperation.

“I am happy that Finnish companies can also offer a variety of practical solutions to help reach carbon neutrality globally. We want Finnish companies to expand their carbon handprint, meaning the positive climate impact that their products can have, and stand ready to share our expertise globally,” Orpo said.

“My Government is also committed to ensuring the preservation of natural capital as part of a responsible economic policy, and we will work to halt the loss of biodiversity. Our aim is that others around the world can utilise our expertise related to positive nature handprints in addition to carbon footprints.”

At the start of the conference, the parties to the UN Convention on Climate Change reached an agreement on a fund to compensate for climate loss and damage. The Prime Minister confirmed that Finland stands ready to support the new fund with EUR 3 million.

During the Climate Change Conference, Prime Minister Orpo has spoken at the COP28 Finland Pavilion on several occasions, including at two panel discussions on Saturday organised by the Technology Industries of Finland and Nokia.

On Saturday, the Prime Minister also met the Finnish delegation. On Friday, Orpo met Professor Nick Stern, who has served as adviser to the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action, created by Finland in 2018.

Inquiries: Marja Koskela, Diplomatic Adviser to the Prime Minister, tel. +358 295 160 978, Mikko Martikkala, Special Adviser to the Prime Minister in Economic Affairs, tel. +358 295 16001 and Päivi Paasikoski, Director of Government Communications, tel. +358 40 547 6279