Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content

Inter-parliamentary Conference on Climate Change

6.10. - 7.10.2019

Inter-parliamentary Conference on Climate Change

The Inter-parliamentary Conference on Climate Change in Helsinki brings together delegations to discuss the climate strategies and targets of the European Union and the action that should be taken.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) described in its report, Global Warming of 1.5 °C, why it is necessary and even vital to maintain the global temperature increase below 1.5 °C. It seems obvious that the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) will not be enough to limit warming to 1.5 °C.

The Helsinki Climate Change Conference will focus on open political discussion on the need to increase the emission reduction targets of the EU from 40% to 55% by 2030, and thereby hopefully promote future European action.

Based on keynote introductions from European investors and representatives of the finance world, delegations are invited to discuss the feasibility of mitigation and adaptation options, and the enabling conditions for strengthening and implementing the systemic changes needed. Such systemic change could simultaneously form the basis for a new era of sustainable economic progress in Europe.

Videos

Session 1 (Original language)

Session 2 (Original language)

(Draft 4.10.2019)​

Monday, 7 October 2019 

8:30 Opening Session

Welcome address by Ms Tuula Haatainen, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament 

Opening of the meeting by Mr Hannu Hoskonen, Chair of the Environment Committee and Ms Satu Hassi, Chair of the Grand Committee 

8:50 – 9:45 Session I: Strategies for Carbon Neutral Future - Necessity to speed up emission reductions by 2030 

Chair of the session: Ms Satu Hassi, Chair of the Grand Committee 

Presentations: 
Status of climate and disasters; need to mitigate and adapt
Mr Petteri Taalas, Secretary-General, World Meteorological Organization 

Pathways to limiting global warming below 1.5-2°C
Dr Gunnar Luderer, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) 

Cost-efficient low-carbon pathways to 2030 and 2050
Mr Oras Tynkkynen, The Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra 

9:45 – 11:00 Exchange of views – Strengthening of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the EU target for 2030 

11:00 – 11:45 Family photo and Coffee break 

11:45 – 12:45 Session II: Climate-Smart Finance Sector 

Chair of the session: Ms Satu Hassi, Chair of the Grand Committee 

Presentations:
Sustainable Finance Market; the role of investors 
Mr Steve Waygood, Chief Responsible Investment Officer, Aviva Investors

Innovative Green Finance: Climate Bonds Initiative
Mr Sean Kidney, CEO, Climate Bonds Initiative 

Cap-and-trade regulations creating economic opportunities for clean technologies and building national and international partnerships
Mr Richard Corey, Executive officer, California Air Resources Board 

12:45 – 13:45 Exchange of views

13:45 – 14:00 Closing remarks

Little Parliament

Arkadiankatu 3, Helsinki, Finland