Hiilifoorumien

Hiilifoorumien is a Finnish term that translates to “Carbon Forums.” The concept refers to a series of national and regional discussion platforms organized by the Finnish Ministry of the Environment and the Finnish Climate Association. Their primary goal is to engage stakeholders—government officials, industry representatives, researchers, NGOs, and members of the public—in dialogue about strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration in Finland. The forums combine policy briefs, technical workshops, and open debates to foster cross‑sectoral collaboration and a shared understanding of carbon‑related challenges.

The first hiilifoorumi was held in 2012 in Helsinki as a response to Finland’s commitment to the Paris Agreement. Since then, the forums have been convened at least twice a year, covering topics such as forestry management, bioenergy, peatland conservation, and the role of the transport sector in reaching net‑zero targets. Each event typically concludes with a policy recommendation memorandum that is submitted to relevant ministries for consideration.

Structurally, the forums operate under a steering committee that includes representatives from the Ministry of the Environment, the Finnish Energy Association, the Institute for Environment and Innovation, and the Confederation of Finnish Industries. Open-access recordings and summaries are posted on the Finnish Climate Association’s website to ensure transparency and public participation.

For researchers, hiilifoorumien provide a valuable source of contemporary discourse and a platform to present new findings. While primarily focused on Finland, the forums often exchange best practices with European counterparts, contributing to broader carbon strategy discussions across the EU.