In this section of the Climate policy monitoring tool, the progress of targets and actions for adapting to climate change in Finland are described, as well as how the related risks have developed. The tool is intended for anyone interested in the topic, for instance, citizens, the media, experts, and decision-makers. The implementation of most targets has begun, but it is still incomplete or progressing more slowly than planned.
Monitoring adaptation policy assesses progress and effectiveness
The adaptation policy monitoring system annually tracks how the implementation of the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan 2030 is advancing. Monitoring examines how the plan’s 24 adaptation targets and the related actions are progressing, and how climate risks related to these goals have developed. [1]
Adaptation policy monitoring data can also be used to assess the effectiveness of adaptation measures and policies. To evaluate effectiveness, both the targets and actions, as well as the development of climate risks, must be monitored [2]. By tracking them simultaneously, it is possible to see whether the implementation of adaptation has been sufficient or appropriately directed. If risks have increased despite the actions, this may indicate that the measures have not sufficiently influenced the risks. [1]
Monitoring is carried out by the implementation group of the National Adaptation Plan and the expert secretariat supporting it [1]. The results are compiled into a general summary in this adaptation monitoring tool on the Climateguide.fi website, intended for anyone interested in the topic: citizens, the media, experts, and decision-makers.
Monitoring data is used for planning, implementation, and reporting
Regularly produced adaptation policy monitoring data can be used when planning and implementing measures to prepare for the impacts of a changing climate. According to the Climate Act, the monitoring system must identify whether the targets of the National Adaptation Plan are progressing and whether additional measures are needed [3]. Monitoring data is utilised in the mid-term evaluation of the current National Adaptation Plan and in preparing the next plan [1]. The National Adaptation Plan is prepared every other parliamentary term [3].
Monitoring data is also used when reporting on the progress of adaptation efforts in different contexts. Nationally, adaptation is reported in the Annual Climate Report required by the Climate Act [4]. The report examines how climate change mitigation and adaptation measures have been implemented, and whether they are sufficient to achieve the goals set [5]. The Annual Climate Report is submitted to Parliament every year [3].
In addition to national reporting requirements, policy measures promoting adaptation must also be reported internationally. Finland reports them to the EU every two years and to the UN Climate Convention at least every four years [4].
Adaptation monitoring uses indicators
The monitoring system of the National Adaptation Plan is based on selected indicators. Whenever possible, existing quantitative indicators are used. In cases where such indicators do not exist, new indicators and data sources have been identified. Monitoring also makes use of qualitative descriptions of the work carried out and the effectiveness of the measures [1].
The monitoring system mainly utilises information produced or compiled by state actors. This is because the National Adaptation Plan only covers work carried out by government agencies. However, municipalities and other actors also implement adaptation measures [1]. Adaptation measures are also carried out without separate plans or without being explicitly classified as adaptation [6].
Progress of implementation and development of risks
The table below lists the targets of the National Adaptation Plan 2030, the progress made on implementation, and the development of risks related to each target. Implementation and risks are monitored using indicators, described under the emojis and supplemented by expert knowledge.
A smiling face means that implementation has progressed as planned, or the consequences of risks or other factors influencing the risk have decreased. A neutral face means that measures have progressed more slowly than desired, that there has been little change in risk development, or that the trend cannot be determined. A sad face means that implementation has progressed more slowly than planned, or that the consequences of risks have increased. A list of the indicators and other means of monitoring used in the 2025 monitoring can be found in the final report of the SOPUTIE project [1].
Progress of targets
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Target and actions
Progress on implementation
Development of risks
Target 1. Adaptation is integrated into the Government’s and ministries’ strategic planning and foresight by 2030
The Government Programme and the Government Report on the Future mention adaptation.
Target 2. Sectoral adaptation is done in a structured manner and means for implementation are secured by 2030
Adaptation has been included in the activities of many administrative branches, but some still lack an adaptation action plan.
Target 3. The consequences of climate change and and the adaptation needs are identified as part of comprehensive security and integrated into the comprehensive security model and the objectives of security of supply by 2026
Implementation has started but it is progressing more slowly than planned.
Target 4. The operating conditions of agriculture to adapt to climate change are enhanced by 2030
Implementation has progressed, but agriculture’s adaptive capacity has deteriorated in some areas, and plans have progressed slowly.
There is no significant change in the impacts of risks.
Target 5. Climate-resilient food production and consumption maintain food and nutrition security throughout the NAP2030 period
Implementation is progressing as planned through administrative-specific plans and projects.
There is no significant change in the impacts of risks.
Target 6. The preparedness of water services for climate change impacts is improved by 2026
Implementation has progressed, but the uptake of information is still developing.
There has been no significant change in the impacts of risks.
Target 7. The vulnerabilities of the transport and communications infrastructure are identified by 2026 and climate resilience is improved by 2030
Adaptation has been recognised in the sector’s programmes, and the measures materialise in maintenance, planning, and projects.
Vulnerabilities in transport and communications infrastructure have been identified.
Target 8. The built environment sector has the capacity to manage climate change-related risks and to adapt to foreseen changes in climate by 2030
Implementation has progressed as planned and more information has been produced to support adaptation.
The impacts of flood risks in particular have increased.
Target 9. In the energy and industrial sectors and business activities, awareness of climate change impacts, risk management and the innovation environment will have been strengthened by 2030
Awareness of risks is generally good, but awareness of slow-moving or cross-border risks is more limited.
The monitoring of climate risks requires more development.
Target 10. Climate change adaptation is promoted in the use of renewable resources by 2030
Implementation is mainly proceeding as planned. However, the proportion of spruce-dominated young forests in the south has increased, which increases the risk of damage.
Wildfires decreased from 2023. Significant damage caused by snow and wind is mainly increasing.
Target 11. Adaptation to climate change and halting biodiversity loss are tackled together by 2030
Measures in the administrative branch-specific action plans are progressing more slowly than planned.
Changes in biodiversity occur slowly, so the impacts of the risks appear with a delay.
Target 12. Nature-based solutions are established and have increased society’s preparedness for climate risks, improved water protection and increased biodiversity by 2030
Plans are being implemented and solutions are being developed in projects, but their implementation has not started.
The impacts of flood risks in particular have increased.
Target 13. Drought risk management has developed by 2030
The drought risk management process has evolved.
There is no major change in the impacts of risks compared to previous years.
Target 14. Negative health impacts of heat are recognised and adaptation and monitoring have progressed on various levels by 2030
Heat preparedness plans are being implemented and solutions are developed in projects, but their implementation has not started.
There is no major change in the impacts of risks compared to previous years.
Target 15. The protection of cultural heritage and environment against climate change has improved, they are better considered in adaptation policy and the use of cultural heritage and environments knowledge in adaptation has progressed by 2030
Adaptation measures have not been comprehensively integrated into operations.
The impacts of climate change have been partially identified, but risk management is still developing.
Target 16. Regional and municipal actors have access to guidelines for managing climate risks as well as the competence to make use of them in planning on various sectors by 2030
Guides and information are available, but their use requires initiative from municipalities and regions.
Target 17. The guidance of adaptation for regional and municipal level is consistent and appropriate by 2030
The removal of the municipal climate plan requirement from the Climate Act, along with the government’s limited guidance on adaptation planning, affects the achievement of the target.
Target 18. Funding opportunities encourage regional and municipal actors to strengthen adaptation, and monitoring of the allocation of funding is made possible by 2030
There are several EU-funded projects underway, but they are often implemented by the same set of actors.
Target 19. Adaptation, particularly the capacities of the most vulnerable countries to adapt, is increasingly promoted in international cooperation
Monitoring of the target is still developing, so monitoring information is not yet available.
Target 20. The capacities and capabilities of developing countries to plan and implement adaptation measures and to develop in a climate-resilient way are promoted as part of international cooperation
Monitoring of the target is still developing, so monitoring information is not yet available.
Target 21. Promoting climate change adaptation appropriately as part of international cooperation, strengthening Finland’s adaptive capacity and the broadening of the knowledge base
Monitoring of the target is still developing, so monitoring information is not yet available.
Target 22. The knowledge base related to weather and climate change risks and adaptation is strengthened in a practical manner, and the availability of research data to end users is ensured by 2027
Implementation is progressing, but in some areas it has not been possible to compare the progress with the previous situation.
Target 23. Awareness among society’s actors of risks and adaptation measures related to climate change is strengthened through communication
Implementation has progressed as planned.
Target 24. Adaptation monitoring is systematic and supports the development of activities
The monitoring of adaptation has developed, but its implementation is still in progress and requires development.
Virtanen, K. & Munck af Rosenschöld, J. 2025. Kohti systemaattista ja kokonaisvaltaista ilmastonmuutokseen sopeutumisen seurantaa – Ehdotus valtakunnallisesta seurantajärjestelmästä. Syken raportteja -sarja 44/2025.
Juhola, S., Käyhkö, J. & Hildén, M. 2022. Sopeutumispolitiikan seurannan ja arvioinnin keskeiset haasteet. Suomen ilmastopaneelin julkaisuja 2/2022. 10 s.
http://hdl.handle.net/10138/359212
Maa- ja metsätalousministeriö (toim.) 2023. Valtioneuvoston selonteko kansallisesta ilmastonmuutokseen sopeutumissuunnitelmasta vuoteen 2030. Hyvinvointia ja turvallisuutta muuttuvassa ilmastossa. Valtioneuvosto, Helsinki. Valtioneuvoston julkaisuja 2023:73. 133 s.
http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-383-585-6
The Annual climate report summarizes information each year on the development of Finland’s emissions, the implementation of climate policy, and progress toward emission reduction targets.