Concrete measures are being taken in the Helsinki region to further the campaign against climate change. A new online video encourages residents and municipal workers to adopt more climate-friendly habits. Everyone can make changes which, while seemingly insignificant, can result in substantial reductions in individual emissions. The video, entitled “Julia’s choice,” depicts the story of a girl born in the spring of 2007, following her life through to the year 2030.

The video takes its viewers on a journey to the future of the Helsinki region. In the ideal urban environment, everything is nearby. Residents can get around on foot, by bicycle or along tracks. Energy consumption can be reduced by everyday choices. The popular online Journey Planner is equipped with an emissions calculator, with which travellers can compare their carbon footprint as they consider routes by bus, train, metro, bicycle and on foot.

The aim of the initiative is to motivate and inform municipal workers of measures taken to reduce carbon emissions. The initiative will also generate accounting tools designed to improve the energy efficiency of public projects and premises. Funding for the initiative is provided by the EU’s LIFE+ programme.

Nurseries and schools have an important role to play in the environmental education of children and youths. The eight-minute-long video is well-suited for use as a conversation starter in the classroom.

The Helsinki Metropolitan Area Council (YTV) is co-ordinating the Julia 2030 initiative, with participation from Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Kauniainen, Kirkko-
nummi and Kerava, as well as from Finland’s environmental administration.

Tuomas Savonen – STT
Matthew Parry – HT