Finnish people favour stronger political steering for climate change mitigation activities and maintaining the climate neutrality goal of 2035, a new survey finds. The responses also highlight the importance of national security, cost affordability as well as the value of nature and the environment.
Our survey to study what Finns think about energy and climate policies was conducted at the turn of the year 2025–2026. The survey received 2135 responses. The data is representative of the Finnish-speaking adult population (18–80 y.o.) living in continental Finland.
Citizens wish policymakers would act on climate
Existing research has proven that climate change is one of the greatest threats facing humankind. This fact is not lost on Finnish citizens, as nearly 80 per cent of the respondents agree that greenhouse gas emission mitigation is an important policy goal. More respondents (62 %) than not (20 %) also argue that policymakers should do more to combat climate change.
The majority (55 %) express the view that Finland’s 2035 climate neutrality goal should be strictly adhered to. On the other hand, a 30 % minority would be willing to compromise on it. Reaching climate neutrality by 2035 has become more complicated for Finland, as logging of forests has increased, and the current Finnish government has loosened fuel taxation and flattened the curve on mandated increases of the distribution obligation of biofuels. These developments have spearheaded a discussion on whether it is necessary to soften the climate neutrality policy goal as well. The goal however remains attainable, but more actions need to be taken urgently, according to the Finnish Climate Panel (2025). (Suomen ilmastopaneeli 2025).
Therefore, one of the main findings of the research is that citizens continue to support ambitious climate policy.
Security at a premium
Another main finding of the survey is that energy and climate policies must under no circumstances jeopardize national security, a claim with which over 80 per cent of respondents either fully or somewhat agree. Even stronger consensus is reached on the statement that Finland must under all circumstances remain disconnected, that is completely independent, of Russian energy. A stunning 70 % of respondents completely agree with this statement, and only 6 % disagree with it.
Respondents also emphasise that Finland and Finnish interests should be prioritised in energy and climate policies. Uncertain geopolitical situation and self-sufficiency views thus strongly influence citizens’ energy and climate policy views.
Affordability and equitable distribution are important
A clear majority (86 %) emphasise that individual household expenses should not become too high (Figure 2). This can be seen as a clear demand for a just transition, where income distribution is considered as part of the policies.
The majority (66 %) also think that gains and losses should be evenly distributed across different cities and municipalities.
Research on local acceptance of clean energy transition investments has found that it is imperative that the areas where these activities are undertaken also benefit from them. An important policy guideline is that damages alone shouldn’t fall disproportionately to certain individuals or geographical areas.
The environment and economy are parts of the whole
When asked which matters should be emphasised as part of the energy and climate policies, the importance of nature and the environment stands out. Nearly 70 % of the respondents fully or somewhat agree that environmental and nature concerns should be prioritised in the policies (Figure 2). A smaller, but substantial, proportion of respondents (43 %) emphasise economic growth and business success as important policy objectives.
These things aren’t necessarily in conflict. Clean energy transition can stimulate economic growth and simultaneously mitigate climate change. The necessary investments into energy infrastructure may however increase land use pressures on ecologically rich areas. It is, therefore, imperative to put special focus on local nature impacts of the energy transition. Potential solutions include placing distributed energy generation units near existing infrastructure or in areas with low biodiversity or ecological value.
Emission reductions are wanted, but how are they achievable?
The preferred steering methods are generally more divisive among the respondents (Figure 3). Bans and curtailments on emission-creating activities are supported by the majority (52 %) but also face some criticism (23 %).
Carbon taxes and carbon trading are yet somewhat more contentious among the respondents, as 47 % support these policies, while 27 % oppose them. Conversely, financial support on emission-abating technologies generally receives higher acceptance: more than 60 % somewhat or fully agree that energy and climate policies should be based particularly on such measures.
An increase in climate sinks — whether through natural (e.g., forests) or technical (e.g., carbon capture) solutions — is also supported by the majority. However, these statements receive more uncertain and ”do not know” responses than the other policy claims discussed here.
The least favoured policies are the voluntary actions of companies and individuals.
In summary, respondents want decision makers to take more responsibility and act in a strong steering role to drive emission reductions. Citizen views also align with existing research knowledge, for instance, regarding the ineffectiveness of voluntary policies.
The research was conducted by the Finnish Environment Institute, in collaboration with Taloustutkimus, as a part of the NextGenerationEU-funded REPower-CEST-project.
The expressed views and opinions represent those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect the position or opinion of the European Union or the European Commission. European Union and European Commission take no liability for these views.
References (in Finnish)
Suomen ilmastopaneeli (2025). Ilmastopaneelin kannanotto: Hiilineutraalius 2035 on perusteltu ja saavutettavissa oleva tavoite. (you are switching to another service)
Authors
Enni Ruokamo works as a research professor in the Finnish Environment Institute.
Jouni Räihä works as a researcher in the Finnish Environment Institute.
Tommi Tikkanen works as a researcher in the Finnish Environment Institute.
