Presidential candidates discussed the future within the planetary boundaries at Puistokatu 4
Li Andersson, Pekka Haavisto and Olli Rehn participated in a discussion on the good life within the planetary boundaries organised by Puistokatu 4, RARE Media and Operation Arctic. The discussion, which took place on 9 January, can be viewed in full on ISTV.
All candidates were invited to the Presidential Debate organised by Puistokatu 4, Operation Arctic and RARE Media at Puistokatu 4. Li Andersson, Pekka Haavisto and Olli Rehn accepted the invitation.
The moderator of the event, Ellen Haaslahti, asked the trio for example how to promote the green transition in Finland in a socially just way and what they would do as President to ensure that the well-being of Finns increases at the same time as overconsumption decreases.
Watch the debate here!
On environmental policy
Olli Rehn
“At global level, I call for a carbon tax, which is the best possible way to put a price on emissions, as recommended by economists. Finland has been an underperformer in international climate diplomacy. As President, I would strengthen Finland’s contribution and profile.”
Pekka Haavisto
“As President, I would take the initiative for a climate network of heads of state. The President could also open up markets for Finnish innovations in the world and influence investment in Finland. I have a mildly optimistic view on green steel production.”
Li Andersson
“I fear that we will become complacent in finding technological solutions that would eliminate the need to make the necessary decisions. Alongside decisions, we can explore technological possibilities, but we should not put all our eggs in one basket. Finland must be consistent in its environmental actions. This must also be reflected in our trade and development policies.”
On value leadership
Li Andersson
“There are parties that appeal to people’s fears and use pessimism as a political tool. I see it as a threat to passionate environmental politics. Personally, I believe that we would be happier if we changed our social and economic system so that we only consume the amount of natural resources we have. There should also be a change in values in society. We should place more value on community and leisure time, rather than seeking to increase material consumption.”
Pekka Haavisto
“Instead of material well-being, we should emphasise spiritual well-being. This involves, for example, culture. In my vision of the future, goods will be recycled and reused more and more.”
Olli Rehn
“Our generation once experienced similar anxiety as today’s young people. In the early 80s there was a big fear of nuclear war in Europe. I too came straight from a army course to a peace march. I encourage anyone with anxiety to turn it into energy and action.”
On the Sámi issue
Pekka Haavisto
“It is important to hear the voice of the Sámi people and the principles of the Arctic Council should be upheld. In land use planning, more and more attention must be paid to where there is conservation value and where there are economically exploitable areas.”
Li Andersson
“It is obvious that the land use rights of the Sámi must be taken into account in Lapland. On the other hand, we cannot reject all mining projects in Finland, as this would risk another kind of colonialism when mining projects are established in the global south.”
Olli Rehn
“It is important that the rights and cultural specificities of the Sámi people are taken into account in all decision-making. Especially when it comes to ecologically sensitive solutions such as wind power. There, the Sámi culture has its specific characteristics, such as the reindeer industry. These must be taken into account.”
