Niinistö at the publishing event of the new IPCC report: “Climate policy requires bold and responsible decisions”

Ministry of the Environment
Publication date 27.9.2013 6.38
Type:News item
Minister Niinistö expressed his hope that IPCC’s climate message will be taken into account in decision-making both nationally and internationally. On the left in the picture Communications Manager Nina Kukkurainen and Director General Petteri Taalas © Karoliina Kinnunen Mohr

The first part of the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) assessment report, concerning climatology, was approved today on 27 September at the IPCC meeting in Stockholm. According to the most severe scenario, Earth’s average temperature may increase by 3-5 degrees by the end of the century unless greenhouse gas emissions are curbed.

At the publishing seminar held at the Finnish Meteorological Institute, Minister of the Environment Ville Niinistö emphasised the absolute necessity of climate-related measures despite the economic slump.

“The world of science has passed the ball to us the decision-makers. In light of the presented facts, it should not be difficult to acknowledge the realities with which we are faced,” Niinistö stated.

He expressed his hope that IPCC’s message will be taken seriously in both international negotiations and the preparation of Finland’s own climate policy.

“We must work towards our climate goals in a systematic fashion that maintains a clear focus on the required measures. Political decisions, action and initiative at all levels of society will be needed to reduce emissions.”