Norway's Impact On Finland's Air: Pollution Puzzle

Finland has been ranked as having the cleanest air in the world, with the lowest level of airborne particles of any individual country. However, air pollution still causes 1,600-2,000 premature deaths in the country every year. While the air quality in Finland has improved, this progress is threatened by emissions from neighbouring regions, including Norway, from which Finland purchases hydropower.

Finland's air quality is the best in the world, according to the World Health Organisation

Finland has the cleanest air in the world, according to data released by the World Health Organization (WHO). The level of airborne particles in Finland is, on average, 6 micrograms per cubic metre—the lowest level for any individual country. The information comes from measurements taken between 2008 and 2016 from 2,500 locations in nearly 100 different countries.

The Pallas area of Lapland, Finland, has the cleanest air in the world, according to WHO data. The Sammaltunturi measuring station in Pallas records the lowest numbers of airborne pollutants globally. Of all Finnish cities, the cleanest air can be found in Oulu.

Finland's air quality is attributed to various factors. The country has an abundance of trees, with forests covering more than 75% of its land area. Trees play a crucial role in absorbing pollutants and releasing excess oxygen into the atmosphere through photosynthesis. The presence of beard moss, a type of lichen sensitive to air pollution, particularly sulphur dioxide, is another positive indicator of Finland's clean air.

However, it is important to note that Finland's air quality is not entirely free of concerns. Almost half of Finland's particulate matter emissions come from burning wood, and small-scale wood burning has not been effectively regulated until recently. Street dust generated by traffic and wind, particularly in urban areas, also contributes to air pollution. Additionally, district heating in cities and towns is still produced using coal and peat, which have high emissions.

Despite these challenges, Finland's legislation has successfully reduced emissions from transport exhaust gases and industrial pollution. The country's commitment to clean air ensures great habitats for nature, clean food, and numerous health benefits for its citizens, including increased happiness and improved sleep quality.

Finland's air is clean and pure due to its forests, which cover over 75% of the country

Finland's air is considered the cleanest in the world, according to a comprehensive analysis by the World Health Organization (WHO). The average level of airborne particles in Finland is 6 micrograms per cubic meter—the lowest level for any individual country. This is due in large part to the country's dense forest coverage, which accounts for over 75% of Finland's land area.

The forests of Finland produce an abundance of oxygen through photosynthesis, the process of transforming sunlight into energy. With more than 40 national parks, Finland offers numerous opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the country's pristine natural environment and take in the fresh air.

The presence of beard moss and other types of lichen is a testament to the cleanliness of Finland's air. These organisms are highly sensitive to air pollution, particularly sulphur dioxide, and their growth indicates a healthy oxygen-rich environment. The clean air in Finland's forests also contributes to the growth of wild berries and herbs, providing a source of fresh and nutritious food for those who venture into these natural habitats.

In addition to the forests, Finland's clean air can be attributed to strong environmental regulations implemented by the government. These include investments in renewable energy, protection of natural resources such as forests and lakes, and the promotion of electric vehicles. As a result, Finland is well on its way to achieving its goals under the Paris Climate Agreement and its ambitious target to become carbon neutral by 2035.

While Finland's forests have historically acted as a significant carbon sink, absorbing more carbon than they release, recent studies indicate a decline in this capacity. From 2009 to 2022, the forest sink declined by about 90%, and Finland's land sector has become a net contributor to global heating. Despite this setback, Finland remains committed to combating climate change and ensuring its citizens and visitors continue to benefit from the country's clean and pure air.

The country's electricity emissions are impacted by its purchase of hydropower from Norway and Sweden

Finland has the cleanest air in the world, according to data released by the World Health Organization (WHO). The level of airborne particles in Finland is, on average, 6 micrograms per cubic meter—the lowest level for any individual country. This is due in part to the country's abundant forests, which cover more than 75% of Finland's land area.

However, Finland's electricity emissions are not entirely clean. While the country does produce electricity from nuclear power, hydropower, wood fuels, and wind power, it also imports electricity from the Nordic market, mainly from Sweden and Norway. This imported electricity can impact Finland's emissions, as the use of fossil fuels, mainly coal, in electricity generation is reflected in the water supply situation.

Norway's electricity production is dominated by hydropower, which accounted for 95% of its total production in 2018. Onshore wind made up the remaining 5%. Sweden, meanwhile, produces 58% of its electricity from hydropower and biomass-fired combined heat and power production. Together, these countries provide a significant amount of hydropower-generated electricity to Finland.

While hydropower is a renewable energy source, it can still impact the environment. For example, the creation of hydroelectric reservoirs can result in the emission of greenhouse gases, and the flooding of land can lead to habitat destruction and the displacement of local communities. Additionally, the water supply situation can influence the use of fossil fuels in electricity generation, which can further impact Finland's emissions.

In summary, Finland's electricity emissions are impacted by its purchase of hydropower from Norway and Sweden. While this hydropower is a renewable energy source, it is not without environmental consequences. The use of fossil fuels in electricity generation, influenced by the water supply situation, can also contribute to Finland's emissions.

Finland's air quality is improving, with emissions decreasing both domestically and in neighbouring regions

Finland's air quality is among the best in the world. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), the level of airborne particles in Finland is on average 6 micrograms per cubic meter—the lowest level for any individual country. This data was gathered from measurements taken from 2,500 locations in nearly 100 different countries between 2008 and 2016. Finland's air quality was ranked number 95 out of a possible 98 countries in 2019, with only Iceland and the US performing better. The country's air quality was rated "Good" at the start of 2021 and has continued to improve, with a current Air Quality Index (AQI) rating of 22.

Finland's air quality is improving due to a combination of domestic and neighbouring regional factors. Domestically, legislation has been effective in reducing emissions from transport exhaust gases and industrial pollution. For example, tightening wood-burning regulations are forcing manufacturers to develop products that pollute less. An add-on device called an air deflector, for instance, is placed inside wood-burning stoves to burn flue gases in a chamber instead of emitting them.

However, emissions from small-scale wood burning have not been regulated until recently. In 2022, the EU Ecodesign Directive came into force, covering new boilers and prefabricated, storage fireplaces. While these regulations are estimated to have little effect over the next ten years, they represent a step towards reducing emissions from small combustion stoves, which are commonly used for heating homes in Finland.

Finland's air quality is also influenced by its neighbouring regions, as the country shares borders with Norway, Sweden, and Russia. The clean air in Finland can be attributed in part to the lack of pollution from neighbouring countries, as evidenced by the clear views of the hills and mountains in these countries from certain viewpoints in Finland.

The country's air quality is impacted by local emissions and pollutants transported from elsewhere

Finland has been ranked as having the cleanest air in the world, with the average level of airborne particles being 6 micrograms per cubic metre, the lowest level for any individual country. However, air pollution still causes 1,600-2,000 premature deaths in Finland annually. The country's air quality is impacted by local emissions and pollutants transported from elsewhere.

Finland's air quality is influenced by a combination of local emissions and pollutants transported from neighbouring regions. Local emissions arise primarily from traffic and household wood-burning sources. Finland has a tradition of heating homes with wood-burning stoves, which contribute to air pollution through their emissions. Small-scale wood burning has increased due to the cost of heating energy, and nearly half of all particulate matter emissions in Finland originate from this practice. However, legislation and innovations, such as the EU Ecodesign Directive and add-on devices to reduce emissions, are helping to address this issue.

In addition to local emissions, Finland's air quality is also affected by pollutants transported from elsewhere. The country shares borders with Norway, Sweden, and Russia, and emissions from these neighbouring regions can impact Finland's air quality. For example, electricity emissions in Finland are influenced by the amount of hydropower purchased from Norway and Sweden or nuclear electricity from Russia. The implementation of tightening emission legislation within the European Union is helping to reduce pollution transported to Finland from other parts of Europe.

The impact of local emissions and transported pollutants on Finland's air quality varies depending on location and time of day. Rural areas near cities, for instance, tend to have a high share of traffic, contributing to air pollution. Additionally, cities and built-up areas experience more significant air quality problems due to the concentration of local emissions and the impact of pollutants from neighbouring regions.

Despite the challenges posed by local emissions and transported pollutants, Finland's outdoor air quality has been improving. The country has remained within the EU air quality standards since 2015, and emission levels continue to decrease. As a result, it is expected that Finland's outdoor air quality will show notable improvements by 2030.

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