We are currently experiencing a complex set of crises, where climate change, biodiversity loss, economic challenges, and security-related issues are intertwined. Responding to these crises requires a holistic approach and the identification of win-win solutions that simultaneously advance multiple societal goals.
MUST researchers provided a statement to the Finnish Parliament’s Committee for the Future, emphasizing the importance of win-win environmental solutions for Finland’s future. These are actions or decisions that positively affect both biodiversity and the climate, and simultaneously one or more of the following: economy and employment, health and well-being, security and defense, and social cohesion.
The co-benefits resulting from win-win solutions strengthen Finland’s prosperity, independence, and ecological integrity. They require actions across the entire society.
This text presents three research-based examples of win-win solutions which are already evolving and benefit our society. We call for society-wide action to strengthen these solutions for the benefit of our society.
1. Urban Green Infrastructure Builds Resilience from Parks and Yards
Urban green areas – e.g. parks, forests, green roofs, and allotment gardens – are, in addition to their aesthetic appeal, critical infrastructure that strengthens our society’s capacity to withstand environmental, security, and economic crises.
- Climate and Environment: Green infrastructure provides essential ecosystem services, such as flood protection, carbon sequestration, and temperature regulation during heatwaves. It also improves air and water quality.
- Economy and Security: Green areas reduce economic damages caused by stormwater floods and create jobs. They can support food security during disruptions and protect critical sites – like substations and electrical cabinets – by making them harder to identify from the air.
- Health and Well-being: Green infrastructure promotes social interaction, relaxation, and improves health, for example, by lowering blood pressure and building resilience against diseases.
The government should promote the implementation of protection and restoration goals at different levels nationally, regionally, and locally. Municipalities and urban planners must develop and coordinate new green infrastructure solutions together with city residents. Private sector investments are also needed.
2. Coordinated Wind Power Construction Supports Energy Self-Sufficiency and Security
The rapid expansion of renewable energy, especially wind power, is a key win-win solution when combined with sustainable land use and long-term policy.
- Climate and Environment: Wind power reduces carbon dioxide and particulate emissions and supports the green transition. Wind power projects must consider biodiversity through restoration and compensation measures.
- Economy and Employment: The energy transition offers growth opportunities and creates jobs. Energy storage solutions (such as batteries and the hydrogen economy) protect energy markets from price fluctuations.
- Security: Wind power reduces dependence on international energy markets. Decentralized power plants are less susceptible to external threats, and their high structure offers opportunities to support defense, for example, by integrating intelligence and surveillance systems.
The government must strengthen the progress of the energy transition with long-term industrial and energy policy. Energy companies must intensify cooperation with biodiversity experts.
3. Peatland Restoration on the Eastern Border Forms an Ecological Buffer
The widespread restoration of peatlands on the eastern border combines nature conservation with national security interests. This has been previously discussed in public debate as a green barrier.
- Security: Waterlogged and uneven bog terrain creates significant challenges for ground troops and acts as an effective anti-tank obstacle.
- Climate and Environment: Restoration recovers species, promotes biodiversity, and supports carbon sequestration in the long term – although methane emissions must be considered. Peatlands also act as natural water purifiers.
- Regional Development: Restoration projects create jobs and support sustainable nature tourism. Furthermore, they strengthen the regional sense of security and offer recreational areas.
The government and municipalities must continue to provide political support and funding for large-scale peatland restoration. Cooperation between environmental and security authorities is crucial.
Towards Intergenerational Justice
Promoting win-win solutions does not happen automatically. It requires consistent, coordinated policy measures that shape governance and markets. Public and private investments must be encouraged and, if necessary, obligated to achieve common goals.
By advancing these solutions, Finland can actively respond to the challenges of the changing geopolitical situation, strengthen its resilience, and support intergenerational justice – ensuring a stable and prosperous future for both people and the rest of nature.
The expert statement of the MUST research project to the Committee for the Future was prepared by:
- Professor Nora Fagerholm, University of Turku, Department of Geography and Geology; Vice Director of the MUST project
- Leading Researcher Kari Jalonen (D.Sc. Econ., M.Sc. Tech.), Demos Helsinki; Interaction Lead and Researcher of the MUST project
- Professor Christopher M. Raymond, Director of the Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science; Director of the MUST project
Text: Salla Kässi, Demos Helsinki
Photo: Laura Uimonen
