Finland: the world’s leading country for environmental initiatives
Initiatives
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Finland: the world’s leading country for environmental initiatives

Finland, with its beautiful forests, clear lakes and active society, is one of the world’s leading countries in environmental initiatives. Here are some facts and laws that support this status.

Forest conservation: Finland has some of the largest forest areas in Europe. More than 75% of its territory is covered with forests. The government is committed to sustainable forest management, as reflected in legislation governing tree felling and reforestation.

Clean and renewable energy sources: Finland is investing heavily in renewable energy such as wind, solar and biomass. Legislation encourages the development of energy-efficient technologies and the reduction of dependence on oil and gas.

Waste disposal and recycling: Finland is considered one of the leaders in waste management and recycling. More than 90% of waste is recycled, and the country aims to achieve complete waste recycling by 2050. The legislation includes strict waste management regulations and measures to reduce the use of plastic.

Protection of water resources: Finland is known for its clean lakes and rivers. Laws protect water resources and regulate wastewater from industry and agriculture to prevent pollution of water bodies.

Fighting climate change: Finland actively participates in international initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. The country adheres to the Kyoto Protocol and sets ambitious targets for reducing CO2 emissions.

Biodiversity protection: Finland works to protect its unique nature and biodiversity. National parks and reserves protect natural ecosystems and provide opportunities for scientific research and ecotourism.

Environmental education and awareness: Finland pays attention to environmental education and raising environmental awareness among the population. The school curriculum includes environmental education, and community organizations organize events and campaigns on ecology and sustainable development.

Overall, Finland truly deserves its reputation as one of the cleanest countries in the world. Her efforts to protect the environment and create a sustainable future make her an example for other countries to follow.

Garbage is useless wealth!

In some regions of the world, waste is becoming a real environmental disaster. However, in Finland, waste becomes a valuable resource thanks to its clever use. The country is actively moving towards the zero waste concept.

Soon (with the introduction of a new law) the removal of biowaste to landfills will be prohibited. Everything that is possible is reused, and what cannot be used again is processed to produce compost, humus and biofuels.

The heating plant in Lahti runs entirely on waste incineration, while another innovative energy system converts methane from landfill into electricity. Collecting waste in containers is already a thing of the past in Finland.

New residential areas are being actively built in Helsinki, such as Kala Satama, Jatka Saari and Herne Saari, under which a network of pneumatic pipes will be deployed, through which bags of household waste will be delivered to special stations.

There will be no dumpsters or garbage trucks plying the streets in these areas. This method of collecting and sorting waste has already been successfully used in other pilot areas of Helsinki.

A volcano in southwest Iceland is preparing for a new show of force
CO2
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A volcano in southwest Iceland is preparing for a new show of force

The northern island nation, near the town of Grindavik, experienced its third volcanic eruption in the past month. According to preliminary estimates, the length of the crack was about three kilometers.

The event took place on February 8 in southwest Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula, as confirmed by Icelandic authorities. According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO), a significant yet minor earthquake commenced northeast of Silingarfell, a peak in southwest Iceland, at 5:30 am. Roughly 30 minutes later, an eruption ensued in the identical vicinity. Images and footage released by local media depicted lava streaming from the fissure, illuminating the trajectory of smoke ascending into the nocturnal atmosphere.

The IMO also noted that the fissure formed in close proximity to previous eruptions in the same area. According to preliminary estimates, the length of the crack was about three kilometers, which indicates significant destruction of the earth’s surface and the activity of the volcanic process. This third eruption in as many weeks is a reminder of the risks associated with geological events in the region.(the first is December 18, 2023, and the second is January 14, 2024).

Recent events have caused alarm among the local population and led to the evacuation of the town of Grindavik due to the danger of an eruption. Geologists and volcanologists continue to monitor the situation, assessing the risks and preparedness for the possible consequences of a new eruption. These events also highlight the importance of further research into seismic and volcanic activity to ensure the safety and protection of life and property in the region. Volcanic eruptions are an integral part of the geological process and are a reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness and risk management.

Iceland: Third eruption in weeks highlights its geological activity

With the region’s third volcanic eruption in as many weeks, it’s worth paying attention to the geological activity of Iceland, which is known for its volcanic processes. There are more than 30 active volcanoes in the country. Tracking and monitoring volcanic activity plays a key role in preventing disasters and minimizing risks to communities and property.

The evacuation of the town of Grindavik became a necessary precautionary measure in light of the threat of an eruption, highlighting the readiness and ability of local authorities to quickly respond to emergencies. This also caused concern among the population and attracted the attention of the world community to the situation in the region.

Six eruptions in two years

Over the past two years, there has been a sixth occurrence of volcanic activity in Iceland. The town of Grindavik lies situated on the Reykjanes Peninsula, in the southwest of the country and has a population of about 4,000 people, mainly engaged in fishing. Until March 2021, for eight centuries, the peninsula remained untouched by volcanic eruptions. Iceland boasts over 30 active volcanic complexes, marking the region as the most volcanically active in Europe. Positioned along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, an underwater mountain range dividing the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, Iceland showcases its geological dynamism. Following eruptions in August 2022 and in July and December 2023, experts in volcanology ponder whether this heralds the onset of a fresh phase of seismic events in the area.

In Europe, the environmental situation has worsened as a result of the conflict in Ukraine
News
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In Europe, the environmental situation has worsened as a result of the conflict in Ukraine

The consequences of the war in Ukraine affected the nature and environment of neighboring countries, including Romania and Moldova. This was reported by the ministers at the international environmental forum “United for Nature. Agenda for Ukraine”, held in Kyiv.

Environmental consequences of war: ministers from Romania and Moldova discuss challenges and collaboration

Mircea Feket, Minister of Environment, Water Resources and Forests of Romania, emphasized that the impact of the war on ecology is felt not only within the borders of Ukraine.

“We observed how construction waste appeared in the Danube Delta, where it should not have been. After the explosion at the Kakhovskaya dam, various rumors began to spread about the danger to the water quality in the Black Sea. We cooperated with our colleagues from Bulgaria and Ukraine in this matter. I immediately turned to the Minister of the Environment of Ukraine and asked about the quality of the water. We analyzed satellite images, determined the speed of water movement and performed various calculations. As a result, it turned out that the water in the Black Sea in this particular case remained safe for residents of other countries . However, we need to constantly monitor these processes, determine the damage to the environment, since this damage concerns the whole of Europe. Therefore, the aggressor must be punished,” – said Mircea Feket.

In turn, the Minister of the Environment of Moldova emphasized that the country notes the deterioration of air and water quality due to the war in Ukraine. According to her, ecologists actively monitor and monitor these processes.

“We are already seeing changes in air and water quality, and it is possible that cumulative impacts will increase over time. This requires further monitoring. We have also recorded active animal migration associated with wildfires and explosions, as animals are a very mobile part of nature , which responds to changes in the environment,” – Yordanka Rodika-Yordanov said.

The Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine, Ruslan Strelets, said that the process of holding Russia accountable for the damage caused to Ukraine’s nature is currently underway. 

“We are developing several directions for further actions. Among them are political and legal ways. We are already keeping records of damages, including the environmental aspect, and are working on mechanisms for their compensation from the aggressor. We have also initiated the Ukrainian environmental declaration and hope that other countries will join it It is important to note that this process of prosecution for crimes against the environment is historic and for the first time in the history of mankind,” – he emphasized.

“EcoThreat”: real figures of environmental damage after Russian aggression in Ukraine

Actual damage to the environment as a result of Russia’s war against Ukraine was announced at the forum. However, according to Ruslan Strilets, these data are constantly changing. Current information can be found on the official resource of the Ministry – “EkoZagroza”.

“To date, 3,600 cases of crimes against Ukraine’s environment have already been recorded. The total amount of damages already exceeds 2.2 trillion hryvnias. Most of these damages include atmospheric air pollution, land and water pollution, and others,” – the Ukrainian minister said.

One of the most important tasks of the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Ukraine for 2024 is the creation and promotion of the climate agenda in Ukraine, said Ruslan Strelets, Minister of Nature Protection of Ukraine.

“For us today, it is very important to take maximum steps in the next two years towards the introduction of climate legislation and the creation of an emissions trading system. This will be a guarantee that Ukrainian industry and the economy will not be affected by CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism – the world’s first cross-border tariff on carbon emissions)”, – the minister emphasized.

It should be noted that the ecological component and the transition to a green economy are important tasks for Ukraine on the way to European integration. The government needs to make a number of changes in climate policy, including reforming the energy sector, developing renewable energy, reducing emissions, better waste management and meeting commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement.

Russian aggression not only negatively affected the state of Ukraine’s environment, but also complicated the process of reforming the environmental sphere in accordance with the standards of the European Union. According to the head of the Ministry of Environment, negotiations are underway with partners regarding the reform of Ukraine’s environmental policy.