Finnish Climate Change Act enters into force 1 June 2015

The Climate Change Act sets forth an emission reduction target of 80% by 2050 in comparison to the level of 1990 as well as governmental planning and monitoring instruments for reaching the target.

The most central element under the new Act is the obligation of the Government to issue periodical planning reports on implementation of the climate policy. Pursuant to the Act, the Government approves a long-term plan for the emissions reduction targets every ten years and a mid-term plan per election term. Long-term plans set forth political action for reaching the 80% target and the mid-term plans stipulate an action program concerning emissions outside of the emissions trading scheme (traffic, housing and agriculture). In addition, the Government adopts a national plan for adaptation to climate change at least every ten years.

Since the Act is first and foremost a Governmental planning tool, the Act does not set forth any concrete obligations affecting the private sector.