Finnish city of Kemi cuts emissions by 65%, nearing national carbon neutrality goal

The northern Finnish city of Kemi has reduced its emissions by 65%—far exceeding the national average of 46%—placing it among the country’s top performers in climate action, reports Yle.

Kemi’s progress stems largely from overhauling its district heating system, replacing peat—a fuel with higher climate impact than coal—with wood and industrial waste heat from Metsä Fibre’s pulp mill. By 2025, only 10% of the city’s heating will rely on peat, down from near-total dependence in 2007. The local heating plant alone has cut emissions by nearly 90% since then.

As part of Finland’s Hinku network—a group of 99 municipalities targeting an 80% emissions reduction by 2030 (from 2007 levels)—Kemi ranks fifth nationwide, trailing only Kauniainen, Korsnäs, Turku, and Mariehamn. The network excludes industrial fuel use, electricity consumption, waste processing, freight transit, and international aviation from municipal tallies.

Disparities in rural vs. urban progress
While cities like Kemi advance rapidly, agricultural municipalities face steeper challenges. Jyri Seppälä, research professor at the Finnish Environment Institute, notes that food production inherently limits emission cuts in farming-heavy regions. “Agricultural municipalities have far fewer options,” he said, suggesting solar farms on former peatlands as one solution to generate both revenue and cleaner energy.

Seppälä emphasised that Hinku municipalities compete against their own past performance, not each other. “Even small differences matter—these efforts collectively support Finland’s climate goals,” he added.

National neutrality target remains out of reach
Despite local progress, Finland’s 2035 carbon neutrality target—enshrined in the 2022 Climate Act—appears unattainable under current trajectories. Seppälä warned that even zero emissions elsewhere wouldn’t offset the land-use sector’s deficit, which shifted from a carbon sink to a net emitter in 2021. “Without major changes in land use, neutrality is impossible,” he stated.

Kemi’s sustainability chief, Eija Kinnunen, stressed the role of public engagement, urging residents and businesses to adopt low-carbon practices. Initiatives include switching streetlights to LEDs and leveraging local media to raise awareness.

Finland’s municipal emissions calculations cover 309 regions (1990, 2005–2023) and account for CO₂, methane, and nitrous oxide across sectors like transport and heating, while excluding land-use changes and forestry.