Climate change is a serious global challenge which calls for a rapid response from all countries and all actors.
Global emissions can only be reduced when actors change their working practices, implement current and new technologies and put more emphasis on innovation and know-how. There is an enormous need for concrete measures and new investment. Energy efficiency can be significantly improved at a global level, and all environmentally sound energy production technologies need to be available, including renewables, nuclear and “clean” fossil fuels. Global emissions could be considerably reduced by using existing technology, but innovations will be needed in the future, too.
Climate change also poses a challenge to industry, which has an important role to play in safeguarding well-being around the world. Industry requires energy, so ensuring the security of supply at competitive costs is essential. In addition to reducing their own emissions and improving energy efficiency, companies need to develop products, technologies and services which help to mitigate climate change.
Companies that are facing emission reduction requirements are calling for a truly global climate agreement that safeguards a level playing field at the global level.
Know-how, technology and innovation should be the cornerstones of climate policy at the national, European and global levels. Finland in particular should be a forerunner when it comes to climate-friendly technology at the global level. Energy efficiency, bioenergy and combined heat and power (CHP) are prime examples of Finnish business know-how.
The use and dissemination of technology should become market driven by creating an attractive and level playing field for companies. This is possible only when the global climate policy is fair, safeguards a stable environment for companies and encourages continuous improvement of know-how.