The first evaluation of the implementation of Finland’s national adaptation strategy was carried out in 2009. The evaluation examined the actions launched in different sectors and also reviewed the related research conducted in Finland.
Adaptation proceeding
The evaluation applied a five-step indicator to assess levels of adaptation. In addition to assessing realised adaptation measures and research work, the indicator accounts for the degree of cooperation between sectors and the level of recognition of the need for adaptation. On average the level of adaptation in Finland was considered to be at Step 2, meaning that the impacts of climate change are known indicatively, and decision-makers recognise the need for adaptation at least to some extent. Practical adaptation measures have been identified, and planning processes and in some cases also implementation have been initiated.
In most sectors such work is still only getting started, but in other sectors such as transport, land use, agriculture and forestry good progress has been made on the implementation of the adaptation strategy. The most advanced sector in this respect is water resource management.
Strategy to be revised in 2011-2013
The evaluation also included a preliminary assessment of the need to update the strategy, whose findings will be applied when the strategy is revised during the period 2011–2013.
