Turku wants to be one of the world’s leading cities in terms of climate and nature. In addition, it has set a goal of being carbon neutral by 2029. Reaching these goals requires international cooperation.

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Turku participates in global cooperation to mitigate climate change. The city bases its climate work on the latest researched information, engages in international networks and actively participates in forums on global goals and ground rules. 

This ambitious climate action has been recognised internationally, and the city has received different kinds of recognition for it. Year after year, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) has included Turku in its list of the world’s leading climate cities. These A-list cities demonstrate climate leadership through their actions.

River Aura and Jakke River ferry in the twilight of a summer evening, view along the river. (Picture: Visit Finland / Seilo Ristimäki (Iloinen liftari Oy))
European atmosphere on the River Aurajoki on a summer evening.
Image: Visit Finland / Seilo Ristimäki (Iloinen liftari Oy)

 

In addition, the European Commission named Turku the best medium-sized climate city in Europe in 2020 among over 10,000 cities and regions. 

UN climate conference and ICLEI network

Climate change is a global challenge that requires cooperation between cities and states on multiple levels. That is why it is important for Turku to be involved where decisions are made and best practices are shared. 

Turku is an active member of UN Climate Change Conferences and the global ICLEI network of local governments. ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is a network of over 2,500 cities committed to sustainable development. Mayor of Turku Minna Arve is its First Vice President in 2024–2027. 
 

Minna Arve giving her speech at the Dubai Climate Change Conference 2023. Next to him, the other participants in the panel discussion observe the speaker.
Minna Arve at the Dubai Climate Change Conference 2023.

EU Mission on 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities

In 2022, Turku was selected with excellent reviews for the European Union Mission on 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, which supports cities in achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 at the latest. During the selection, Turku also received a Mission Label as recognition for pioneering work. 

The 100 cities serve as experimental ground and examples for others. They share best practices and inspire each other to achieve their goals. Turku has already received recognition from the European Commission for the implementation of the Turku Climate City Contract.

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International projects promote climate work

Turku participates in several international climate projects, many of which are funded by the European Union. The green transition happens in cities. Without cities, the Union cannot achieve its objectives. For Turku and other cities, the projects are a source of funding for important efforts.  

Examples of EU-funded projects in Turku

The 1.5-Degree City (2023–2025) is a pilot project for the EU Mission , where the City of Turku works with the University of Turku to push the city towards the 2029 carbon neutrality target. The project develops opportunities for residents to participate in climate work. It also supports companies’ low-carbon business activities and creates a platform for monitoring emission reductions.

The 1.5-Degree City project is part of the EU Mission on 100 climate-neutral cities.

The COEVOLVERS project (2022–2026) seeks solutions to biodiversity loss and the climate crisis with nature-based methods. In Turku, the target area is Pansio-Perno, where models for compensating nature-based values are developed together with residents and other actors. The area is developed to promote the well-being of both nature and the residents.

In the Creative Circular Cities (CCC) project (2023–2026), six cities in the Baltic Sea region promote circular economy through the creative sectors and culture. The aim is to accelerate the transition to a circular economy by reinforcing cooperation between decision-making, business and creative sectors.
 

Reporting and monitoring

Monitoring and reporting help keep track on the progress towards the carbon neutrality target and assess the success of measures taken. Turku reports on its climate work annually to the CDP system, which relays the results to the UN Climate Register.

International networks

Turku is involved in several international networks that promote sustainable development and the circular economy. These networks are listed as global and European networks below. 

Global networks: 

European networks:

Contact information

Maria Grandlund Project manager
Iris Kriikkula Project manager