Six NGOs are bringing a legal challenge against the Finnish government arguing that the country has unlawfully delayed climate action. While Finland’s climate goals are aggressive, the NGOs allege that the country is not on track to meet them and is in violation of its 2022 Climate Act. Barron’s discusses the case stating:
“The six organisations noted in a statement that Finland in 2022 had adopted ‘one of the strongest net zero climate targets among industrialised nations, committing to become climate neutral by 2035 and reach net negative emissions thereafter.’ In their lawsuit filed to Finland’s Supreme Administrative Court, the groups argue that the ‘lack of adequate climate action”’ by Finland’s right-wing government is violating the country’s Climate Act.”
This case is similar to other climate cases we’ve seen, like the lawsuit that resulted in a ruling against Switzerland by the European Court of Human Rights. However, this case is interesting because it asks the courts to hold the Finnish government to its previous commitments, rather than set new more aggressive goals. Often, the people making climate commitments are not the ones tasked with the difficult work of meeting them. This is just as true for governments as it is for companies. If the Finish courts find that the country must accelerate its climate progress, companies operating in Finland may have a difficult time meeting new GHG reduction targets. Especially considering that Finland’s targets require the country to reach climate neutrality in only a little over ten years.
Our members can find more information on climate commitments here.
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