HSY's 2nd stakeholder meeting

On November 26, 2024, the Helsinki Region Environmental Services authority (HSY) organized a
regional stakeholder meeting in Helsinki to discuss climate adaptation and preparedness in the
Helsinki metropolitan area. The meeting gathered 21 participants from various public sector
organizations and included expert presentations, two interactive workshops, and active
discussions.

The first session featured presentations on local climate adaptation and resilience, focusing on
climate risk planning tools and stormwater management. The tools introduced aim to improve
climate risk assessments, and the stormwater management session highlighted the importance of
addressing flood risks through collaboration and investment in infrastructure, such as nature-based
solutions.

The workshops addressed specific climate adaptation challenges. The first workshop focused on
vulnerabilities related to weather and climate risks, such as floods, heatwaves, and wildfires, with
an emphasis on their impacts on infrastructure. Participants discussed the vulnerability of health
and social care services, particularly in older buildings, and the need for increased investment in
urban infrastructure, including green spaces and building retrofitting, to ensure long-term
resilience.

The second workshop highlighted deficiencies and best practices in climate adaptation efforts. The
absence of statutory frameworks for climate adaptation was identified as a significant barrier, along
with a lack of political and financial support for scaling up adaptation measures. Despite these
challenges, participants shared examples of successful local initiatives, such as cross-
departmental collaborations and the use of green infrastructure, showing that practical solutions
are already being applied.

Key concerns included resource limitations in urban maintenance and healthcare services, which
are underfunded to cope with the increasing risks posed by extreme weather. Additionally, there is
insufficient investment in critical infrastructure, including stormwater systems, green spaces, and
building retrofitting. Gaps in knowledge transfer and public awareness, especially regarding
localized risks, were also noted.

Despite these challenges, the meeting showcased the potential for scaling up adaptation efforts
through improved collaboration, stronger governance structures, and better communication across
municipalities and sectors to address climate risks effectively.