The increase of greenhouse gases in the
Earth’s atmosphere is an indisputable scientifically proven fact. Human
activity has increased levels of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and
ozone. This has strengthened the greenhouse effect and warmed our planet. The
average global temperate has risen 1.1 degrees compared to pre-industrial
times. Human activity is almost the only cause of this. According to estimates,
a 1.5 degree global temperature rise will be reached in the early 2030’s.
After the mid 1990’s, changes have been
noted in all parts of the Earth’s climate system: on land, at sea and in the
atmosphere. Changes are evident for instance in temperatures, amount of rain,
ice and snow coverage, sea levels, ocean acidification and extreme weather conditions.
The atmosphere and oceans have become warmer, snow and ice has reduced and sea
levels have risen. Dangerous and hazardous weather conditions have become more
frequent. There is an increasing number of heat waves, drought, heavy rains and
strong tropical storms.
“Some changes have been so vast that
similar occurrences have not happened in thousands of years. These changes are
happening at unprecedented speeds. Some of these changes will be irreversible
for hundreds and thousands of years. Irreversible changes are for instance the
rise of sea levels and ocean acidification, as well as ice fields decreasing,”
says Finnish Meteorological Institute researcher Kaisa Lakkala.
What would a climate smart and sustainable Finland and Lapland look like?
Finland has an abundance of natural
resources, but we also use vast amounts of these resources. In global
comparisons, we Finns are some of the biggest consumers: this year our Earth
Overshoot Day was on March 31st, which means that was the day that
we had spent our portion of the world’s natural resources regenerated during
the year. Out of all countries in the world, we are the ninth fastest to reach
Earth Overshoot Day. Our conclusion is that we Finns should use our natural
resources in a more sustainable way.
We today can do what has always been done: not
waste, but save and good things should not be thrown away but rather fixed. Now
this type of sparing economics is called circular economy.
We need circular economy solutions which
means that natural resources are recycled and used again. We should also reduce
consumption, so that we do not need as many natural resources to begin with.
The recent energy crisis showed that we Finns know how to save and reduce our
consumption when necessary.
What is our wellbeing based on in the future?
According to a report by the Lapland
Chamber of Commerce, by 2030 Norway, Sweden and Finland will be executing or
planning over 160 billion euros worth of green investments.
“These investments will include utilisation
of hydrogen technologies, carbon-free steel production, batteries, wind and
solar power, carbon capture and storage, mines, bioeconomy, circular economy
and infrastructure. New investments in the north are welcome, but with some
projects we need to ask if the wide scale impacts of the investments are more
negative for the environment than the green benefits. Green investments are not
always free of problems,” working life professor Hannele Pokka says.
Apostolinkyyti on the road!
The parish youth work’s new mobile youth space
Apostolinkyyti (the Apostle’s ride) will be on the road shortly. It is a
campervan that it easily recognisable due to the eye-catching stickers on its
sides. The van will go to wherever the youth is. There will be excursions to
schools and events, and the car will go into towns and around the city. The
campervan contains game equipment for recess periods. During events the canopy
will be pulled out and tables put out. We will make coffee and grill sausages.
Along for the ride are parish youth workers and later on there will be
volunteers as well, once we start our Saapas volunteer work in the autumn. All
who are interested in Saapas volunteer work are welcome to hear more on
Thursday, September 21st at 6 PM in the parish home. For more
information, contact parish youth workers Mari, 040 583 2517 or Jyrki 040 626
3531. You can also follow along on Instagram: @apostolinkyydissa
Father and son camp at Pasmajärvi in the Tirroniemi wilderness campsite July 7-11, 2023
Come camping and enjoy the summer and our programme.
The camp is meant for men and boys: Welcome fathers, grandfathers, sons and
friends! The price of the camp is 35 euros per person. You will need to take
your own equipment with you: tents and sleeping bags etc. Breakfast and dinner
will be offered. You will need to organise your own transportation to the camp.
However, there is an opportunity to organise a shared ride from Rovaniemi. The
campsite cannot be reached by car, so be prepared to walk (1 km) or come by
boat. Registrations due by May 31st, 2023: https://bit.ly/42AfC0K More information:
Jyrki Hautaniemi 040 626 3531 or Ari Jarva 0400 194 845
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