As 2023 drew to an end, EU 1.5° Lifestyles project partner D-mat had the pleasure to visit the Finnish Parliament. Finland’s Minister of Climate and the Environment Kai Mykkänen kindly welcomed us to discuss with him the dire need for reducing the carbon footprint of day-to-day consumption – a valuable discussion.
D-mat presented the Minister the original Climate Puzzle, a planning and learning game illustrating one’s personal carbon footprint and low-carbon lifestyle options. The Puzzle has also served as a basis for the Climate Puzzles developed for the five case countries within the EU1.5° Lifestyles project.
We also touched upon the needs for policy guidance, and the role of the surrounding structures in enabling sustainable lifestyles. The Finnish climate strategy is based on the emission reduction targets that were laid down into law in 2022 with the Climate Act. While national climate objectives are set on carbon neutrality by 2035, we stressed that research needs to be thoroughly implemented into action in all parts of society.
Lifestyle changes are essential to enable the world to stick to the limits of the 1.5°C Paris agreement target. The perception of the actual carbon impacts of consumption and climate-friendly lifestyles are important for finding ways towards a more sustainable everyday life. These individual actions go hand in hand with firmer policy measures.
Further information on the commercially available Climate Puzzle: www.climatepuzzle.fi
Discussions with Finnish teachers at BMOL Autumn Days
D-mat was present at BMOL’s Autumn Days to present the EU 1.5° Lifestyles project and the Climate Puzzle to teachers, gaining a warm welcome. The event brought together secondary school and upper secondary school biology and geography teachers from all over Finland.
We had valuable discussions about sustainable lifestyles and especially empowering young people through knowledge and research-based tools. The original Climate Puzzle has served as a basis for the tools developed under the EU 1.5° Lifestyles project in five case countries.
The event also served as a great chance to discuss the EU 1.5° Lifestyles project and its objectives with skilled professionals. Our input was very well received by the participants, and we had a great time with lots of important discussions!
Anri Liikamaa and Michael Lettenmeier, D-mat
Source of photos: D-mat