The future is built today

Climate change and biodiversity loss are the great challenges of our time, which we need to respond to rapidly, because otherwise almost all future-oriented target setting is futile. Only an ecologically sustainable society can ensure also social and economic stability. This also calls for examination of the decision-making structures. To be able to effectively mitigate climate change and biodiversity loss, we need cooperation across administrative boundaries instead of the current siloed administration and development of preparation and decision-making based on the demands of sustainable development.

However, responding to the climate and environmental catastrophe also provides opportunities. SDP’s aim is that, in the 2030’s, Finland is a country where natural resources are used sustainably and we have clean industry, high-tech is utilised to increase wellbeing, and the skill level and wellbeing of the nation are the highest in the world. This calls for ambitious investments in research, development and innovations.

Finland must rapidly shift to a sustainable circular economy where resources are not wasted. A just green transition is also an economic opportunity. Finland must continue to be a pioneer in technology and green transition solutions. This generates new, high-quality jobs, livelihood and prosperity. A just transition is part of building a strong future economy.

Industry of the future is green. The benefits of leading the just transition have not been utilised enough in Finland, even though many industrial operators do set a good example. Finland must generate new industrial policies based on know-how, zero-emission technologies, and the courage to invest in the future. At the same time, we must be active in building European strategic autonomy. European investments in European skills and production also support Finnish industry.

Higher ambition in tackling the climate crisis and biodiversity loss

• Climate policy with giving up fossil fuels, strengthening sufficient carbon sinks, and ensuring a socially just transition to all population groups at its core
• Stopping biodiversity loss in Finland and reversing the negative trend by the end of the decade
• A clear legislative framework for nature policy in the form of, for example, a nature act
• Managing forests in a sustainable way and reforming the Forest Act so that it serves the sustainable solution of both the climate and biodiversity challenges, and also responsible use of forests for different purposes

Transitioning to circular economy and facilitating sustainable consumption

• Increasing the profitability of using recycled materials. Repairing items should be a better and cheaper option to buying new ones for the majority of consumer goods
• Involving the construction industry and repair construction in promoting circular economy

Industrial policy that relies on research, technology and curiosity

• Mission-oriented industrial policy that sets long-term objectives and creates predictable environments for investments and RDI contributions
• Sufficient resources in RDI activities by both the government and the business community
• A pioneer position in data economy, strong rights of the people to manage their own data, and investments in new technologies
• Supporting the internationalisation of Finnish companies and diversifying Finland’s economic structure to support economic growth
• Export promotion in cooperation with towns, institutions of higher education, the business community, and ministries. Companies must be offered one Team Finland contact person and the necessary support for a growth pathway from an idea to international growth

Energy policy that guarantees clean and affordable energy to companies and households

• A rapid transition to renewable zero-emission energy forms and breaking away from Russian fossil energy swiftly and permanently
• Energy self-sufficiency in 2025, which calls for decentralised and secure energy production that utilises various technologies
• A price ceiling for consumer electricity prices and windfall taxation of excessive profits