Compiled information about the impact of climate change and extreme weather on the natural resources sector

Finland’s climate has become significant warmer during the history of measurements. Life zones have already shifted towards the north, the growing season has become longer, the annual temperature sum has increased, and the period of ice and snow cover and ground frost has become shorter. Global warming has a significant impact on nature and the economies that depend on it.

In spring 2023, we hosted a webinar on the impact of climate change and extreme weather, also discussing how we can prepare for the resulting risks. The webinar had more than 300 interested participants who thanked its excellent content. A synthesis report was published at the end of 2023 to summarise research data on the impact of climate change on nature and various natural resources sectors.

In forests, global warming helps various pests multiply and spread which increases the forest damage risk. In addition, dry and hot summers make trees weaker and subject them more easily to pests. Preparation for damage risks requires that forest health, diversity and growth are maintained. This means that trees are increasingly grown in their optimal growth locations and in mixed forests where possible. Improving forest biodiversity is an important part of climate change adaptation, as homogeneous forest ecosystems have the highest damage risks.

In waterbodies, rising temperatures present problems especially to salmonids and their spawning areas. Long periods of heat are extremely damaging to aquaculture, as they increase fish mortality. Technological solutions for fish farming, including recirculating aquaculture systems, help adapt to climate change. Solutions for aquaculture may also be offered by species that are more resistant to high temperatures, more accurate location control, and selective breeding.

In agriculture and horticulture, global warming produces both advantages and disadvantages. Seeding can now be carried out a few weeks earlier, and the longer growing season has allowed farmers to diversify their crop range. Then again, drought reduces yields, requires more irrigation for vegetables and increases the risk of crop damage.

The shorter period of ice and snow cover causes problems for willow ptarmigans that change their colour to turn white in winter and for seals that produce offspring on ice. With regard to game, human activities are underlined in preparation and adaptation, as the reshaping and disappearance of habitats has a more significant impact than climate change on several species.