Ilmastoselvityksissä

Ilmastoselvityksissä are Finnish environmental impact assessments specifically focused on climate change. These assessments are crucial components of the Finnish environmental impact assessment (YVA) process, which is mandated by law for projects that could have significant environmental effects. The purpose of an ilmastoselvitys is to analyze how a proposed project might contribute to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions and how the project itself might be affected by the changing climate.

During an ilmastoselvitys, the project proponent must identify and quantify direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions throughout the project's lifecycle, including construction, operation, and decommissioning phases. This often involves detailed calculations of emissions from energy consumption, transportation, material use, and waste generation. Furthermore, the assessment evaluates the project's vulnerability to climate change impacts such as rising temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, sea-level rise, and extreme weather events.

The findings of the ilmastoselvitys inform decision-making regarding project planning, design, and mitigation measures. Its goal is to ensure that potential climate-related risks are understood and managed, and that projects contribute as little as possible to climate change while being resilient to its effects. The results are documented in the environmental impact assessment report, which is then subject to public consultation and review by authorities. This process helps to promote sustainable development and climate action in Finland.