Finland: environment

What are Finland's greenhouse gas emissions?

Finland's greenhouse gas emissions were 36.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2025, excluding land use and forestry, according to Statistics Finland's preliminary data. That was 2.7 million tonnes, or 7%, less than in 2024. Including the land use sector, net emissions were about 46.0 million tonnes.

The land use sector (LULUCF) was a net source of 9.4 million tonnes, because emissions exceeded the carbon absorbed by forests and soils. Energy sector emissions fell by 2.6 million tonnes as fossil fuel and peat use declined and wind power and electricity imports grew. Emissions outside the EU emissions trading system exceeded Finland's EU allocation for 2025 by 0.6 million tonnes.

Official sources: Statistics Finland: Greenhouse gas emissions 2025 · Statistics Finland: Greenhouse gases

Where does Finland's electricity come from?

Finland produced 79.9 TWh of electricity in 2024, of which 57% came from renewable sources and 95% was fossil-free when nuclear power is included, according to Statistics Finland. Wind power produced about a quarter of all electricity and was, for the first time, the second-largest source after nuclear.

Most renewable electricity came from wind, hydro and wood-based fuels. Domestic production covered 96% of consumption, and net imports 4%. Statistics Finland publishes annual electricity and heat production statistics in the autumn of the following year; monthly data come from the energy supply and consumption statistics.

Official sources: Statistics Finland: Fossil-free electricity 95 per cent in 2024

How much of Finland's energy is renewable?

Renewable energy made up 44.8% of total energy consumption in Finland in the second quarter of 2026, according to preliminary data on Statistics Finland's energy supply and consumption page. In January to June 2026, total energy consumption was 688 petajoules, 6% more than a year earlier, of which renewables provided 314 petajoules.

Statistics Finland says cold weather early in the year raised energy demand. Fossil fuels and peat provided 174 petajoules, 2% less than a year earlier, and carbon dioxide emissions from fuel use fell 8% to 11 million tonnes, as reported in its release of 23 September 2026.

Official sources: Statistics Finland: Energy supply and consumption · Statistics Finland: Total energy consumption January to June 2026

How warm was 2025 in Finland?

2025 was Finland's second-warmest year on record, with a national average temperature of 4.5°C, 1.6 degrees above the 1991 to 2020 average, according to the Finnish Meteorological Institute. Only 2020 was warmer at most stations.

Annual averages ranged from about +8°C in the Southwest Archipelago to about zero in north-western Lapland. The highest temperature of the year was 32.6°C at Oulu Airport on 31 July and the lowest −39.6°C at Tulppio in Savukoski on 4 February. The Institute compares each year with the latest 30-year reference period, 1991 to 2020.

Official sources: Finnish Meteorological Institute: 2025 second warmest year on record

What is Finland's carbon footprint per person?

In 2024, carbon dioxide emissions per person in Finland was 5.5 tonnes, according to the European Commission's EDGAR database. That is the lowest since at least 2005. It is 18th highest of 46 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 5.1 tonnes. Worldwide: 42nd of 186.

How much greenhouse gas does Finland emit?

The European Commission's EDGAR database puts total greenhouse gas emissions in Finland at 48.7 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2024. No year since 2005 has been lower. It is 26th highest of 46 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 53.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Worldwide: 79th of 186.

How much renewable energy does Finland use?

According to the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO, the renewable share of final energy use in Finland was 50.2% in 2021. That is the highest since at least 2005. Europe & Central Asia median: 20.4%; Finland is 5th highest of 50. World rank, highest first: 49th of 191.

How much of Finland is forest?

The latest figure from the FAO, for 2024, is 74.2%. Since 2005 it has ranged from 73.2% (2010) to 74.2% (2020). Europe & Central Asia median: 33.2%; Finland is 1st highest of 51. Worldwide: 12th of 190.

What is air pollution like in Finland?

According to the Global Burden of Disease study, average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in Finland was 4.6 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023. No year since 2005 has been lower. Europe & Central Asia median: 13.0 micrograms per cubic metre; Finland is 51st highest of 51. Of 192 countries with 2023 data, 189th highest.

How much of Finland's land is protected?

According to the UN Environment Programme, the share of land in protected areas in Finland was 13.9% in 2025. Since 2013 it has ranged from 13.3% (2019) to 15.0% (2014). Europe & Central Asia median: 22.1%; Finland is 42nd highest of 51. Of 192 countries with 2025 data, 125th highest.

How much of Finland's fresh water is used?

In 2022, water stress in Finland was 7.1%, according to the FAO. Since 2005 it has ranged from 5.5% (2016) to 15.6% (2006). It is 30th highest of 47 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 12.6%. Of 175 countries with 2022 data, 104th highest.