28.2.2020

The City of Lappeenranta is set to hold a climate seminar in Brussels – Climate impact of flights will be compensated

The City of Lappeenranta is organising a seminar in Brussels on 3 March 2020. The topic of the seminar is " Cities as Trailblazers – How can global challenges be solved at the local level?". The seminar will be held jointly with a committee representing the EU member states, the Association of Finnish Municipalities, and the Association of South Karelia.

Seminar attendees will discuss the role of cities in developing solutions for global climate challenges. In addition, representatives from both Lappeenranta and South Karelia will present some of their proposed solutions to the challenges of climate change.

The seminar includes excellent presentations from Brussels, the Association of Finnish Municipalities, and the City of Lappeenranta. “The programme includes a presentation on the opportunities created by the Green Deal launched by the EU Commission”, says the head of unit Claudia Fusco, from the Commission's Environmental Department.

In her role as chairperson of the Commission’s working group on climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable development, Mia Petra Kumpula-Natri MEP explains the role of the European Parliament in the green transformation of the EU. Kimmo Rauma, Vice President of Danfoss Editron and Afstor Oy, also notes the importance of electrification in rescuing the climate.

Lappeenranta offers the world solutions

“The City of Lappeenranta is organising the seminar because it wants to be a pioneer in the fight against climate change, and now is the time to share our expertise in order to help improve international awareness of these issues”, says the city’s development director, Markku Heinonen.

“Lappeenranta wants to offer solutions for Europe and the rest of the world in reducing emissions. The seminar is the first time that Lappeenranta will present its climate, energy, and environmental activities in Brussels.

Lappeenranta’s seminar presentation is being led by Deputy Chairperson of the City Council, Jyri Hänninen. Lappeenranta’s delegation includes some of the city's leading officials and members of the City Council.

The participants' flights are being compensated this year through its carbon commitment to city-agreed destinations. Lappeenranta City Council has asked the city to prepare a compensation model for air travel.

Photo: Lappeenranta Junior University (Uniori):In Lappeenranta all the children and youth are trained in sustainable development through UNIORI -program - The unique educational cooperation from preschool to university.
Photos: Industrial Lappeenranta before and Lappeenranta today - the Climate Capital of Finland

Further information:

Development Manager Markku Heinonen

+358 (0)40405811998, markku.heinonen@lappeenranta.fi