Finland's Air Quality Success: Strategies For Cleaner Air

Finland has the cleanest air in the world, according to data released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The level of airborne particles in Finland is, on average, 6 micrograms per cubic metre – the lowest level for any individual country. This is due, in part, to the fact that forests cover more than 75% of the country's land area. However, air pollution still causes 1,600–2,000 premature deaths in Finland every year. So, how did Finland manage to decrease air pollution?

Finland's air quality is monitored by the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI)

Finland has the cleanest air in the world. The level of airborne particles in Finland is, on average, 6 micrograms per cubic metre – the lowest level for any individual country. This data comes from measurements taken from 2,500 locations in nearly 100 different countries between 2008 and 2016.

• ACTRIS (The Aerosol, Clouds and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure)
• AMAP (Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme)
• EMEP (European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme)
• GAW (Global Atmosphere Watch)
• HELCOM (Helsinki Commission)

Finland's clean air is due in part to its abundance of trees. Forests cover more than 75% of the country's land area. Trees produce excess oxygen, which is released into the atmosphere, and certain types of moss and lichen are signs of clean air. Finland's air is so clean that the visual range can be up to 50-70 kilometres in dry weather.

The country has over 40 national parks

Finland has the cleanest air in the world. The country's air quality is the best in the world, with the level of airborne particles averaging 6 micrograms per cubic metre, the lowest level for any individual country. This is due in part to Finland's abundance of trees—forests cover more than 75% of the country's land area. In fact, Finland has over 40 national parks, including Lemmenjoki and Urho Kekkonen, the country's largest national parks. These parks are known for their dense forest land, which produces excess oxygen through photosynthesis. Beard moss and other types of lichen, which are very sensitive to air pollution, can be found in the country's oxygen-rich areas.

Finland's clean air is beneficial for respiratory health and has even been linked to increased happiness. The country's clean air is so renowned that parents put their babies and toddlers outside for naps, even in below-freezing temperatures. The clean air in Finland is also due to the country's relatively small and thinly-developed cities, which result in less traffic compared to other European cities. Additionally, local actions, such as increased street cleaning, have helped to improve air quality.

While Finland's air quality is generally good, there are still some concerns. Air pollution causes 1,600–2,000 premature deaths in Finland annually, and the WHO limit value for PM2.5 fine particles is still widely exceeded. However, emissions into the air in Finland have decreased and are expected to continue doing so, with outdoor air quality predicted to improve notably by 2030.

There is less pollution transported to Finland from the rest of Europe

Finland's air quality has improved over the years, and this is due in part to a decrease in the amount of pollution transported into the country from the rest of Europe. This is a result of the tightening emission legislation of the European Union, which has guaranteed the same development across the continent. The legislation has ensured that less pollution is being blown over from other countries, improving Finland's air quality.

The air in Finland is now the cleanest in the world, according to data released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The level of airborne particles in Finland is, on average, 6 micrograms per cubic metre, the lowest level for any individual country. This is a significant improvement, as air pollution was previously estimated to be one of the leading environmental health risks in Finland.

Despite this, air pollution still causes 1,600–2,000 premature deaths in Finland annually. The tightening of EU emission laws has helped to reduce this number, and it is projected that by 2030, the number of premature deaths will have decreased by 10%. This is a relatively small decrease, which can be attributed to the growth of the urban population, the aging of the population, and the serious health issues caused by fine particles, even in small concentrations.

The Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) monitors air quality throughout Finland and maintains a data bank of air quality information. The FMI also announces possible exceedances of reference and limit values. This continuous monitoring has created conditions for actions that improve air quality.

Local actions, such as increased street cleaning, have improved air quality

Finland has some of the cleanest air in the world, with the lowest levels of airborne particles of any individual country. This is due to a combination of international, national, and local actions.

In addition, Finland has taken steps to address emissions from small-scale wood burning, the largest source of black carbon in the country. The Finnish National Air Pollution Control Programme (NAPCP) introduced measures to improve guidance for the general public, reduce the harm caused by polluting wood-burning stoves, and enhance the prevention of smoke hazards. These measures aim to reduce the use of wood-burning stoves and provide alternative options for heating, such as encouraging the use of clean cookstoves.

Furthermore, Finland has made efforts to improve the energy efficiency of vehicles and other means of transport, seeking to reduce greenhouse gas and black carbon emissions. This includes replacing fossil fuels with renewable and low-emission power sources, such as through the use of biogas production from agricultural and municipal household waste. By addressing emissions from transport, Finland is taking a comprehensive approach to reducing air pollution and improving local air quality.

The country's commitment to clean air is also evident in its support for international initiatives. Finland is a member of the World Bank's Global Gas Reduction Partnership and the Global Methane Initiative. Through the Energy and Environment Partnership (EEP), Finland has financed clean energy projects in other countries, demonstrating its dedication to improving air quality on a global scale. These international collaborations allow Finland to share its expertise and contribute to global efforts to reduce air pollution.

The level of airborne particles in Finland is on average 6 micrograms per cubic metre

Finland has the cleanest air in the world, with the lowest level of airborne particles of any individual country. According to data released by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the level of airborne particles in Finland is, on average, 6 micrograms per cubic metre. This is due in part to the country's abundance of trees—forests cover more than 75% of Finland's land area.

Trees play a crucial role in maintaining clean air by absorbing and filtering pollutants. The act of photosynthesis, in which trees transform sunlight into energy, produces excess oxygen, which is then released into the atmosphere. This process helps to dilute and disperse airborne particles, reducing their concentration and potential harm.

Finland's commitment to clean air is evident through its various initiatives. Local authorities in municipalities are responsible for arranging air quality monitoring and maintaining measurement stations. The Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) also plays a vital role by monitoring air quality and providing real-time data to the public.

Additionally, prevailing weather conditions can significantly impact air quality. Strong winds can rapidly disperse pollutants, while weak winds can allow them to accumulate. Rainfall can also influence air quality, either by cleansing the environment or contributing to pollution, depending on the presence of harmful substances in the air.

Despite Finland's impressive achievements in maintaining clean air, air pollution remains a concern. According to statistics, air pollution causes 1,600–2,000 premature deaths in Finland annually. Most air quality issues occur in cities and built-up areas, primarily due to local emissions from traffic and household wood burning. However, it is worth noting that Finland's cities are smaller and less densely populated than many other European cities, which contributes to the overall better air quality.

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