The European Covenant of Mayors bestowed their award for the best mid-sized climate city in Europe on Turku. The Covenant is a network of European cities working together on climate and energy issues and every year they recognize cities that have set ambitious goals in climate policy and work hard to achieve them.
This year it was the fact that Turku is well on its way to halving its emissions by next year, becoming completely carbon-neutral by 2029 and climate-positive from then onwards, that earned the accolade. There is, of course, a lot more going on, too. The award proves Turku’s status as a frontrunner in climate policy the world over. Circular and sharing economies, renewable energy sources, smart construction, improved public transport and many other bold, but necessary steps are being taken in Turku.