Environmental Challenges Must Be Brought to the Core of Security Discussions

In Finland, the conversation around security is undergoing a vital transformation, recognizing that environmental challenges are not peripheral issues but are rapidly moving to the core of our national security thinking. This broadened perspective acknowledges that true security is intrinsically linked to the health of our environment, the resilience of our economy, and the continuity of our culture. It's a necessary evolution from a narrow focus on border defense to a holistic approach that considers the sustainability of our very existence.

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Ympäristöturvallisuus ei ole enää vain yksi politiikan lohko muiden joukossa. Siitä on nopeasti tulossa koko turvallisuusajattelumme ydin.

The World Economic Forum's latest assessments underscore the urgency, placing extreme weather and biodiversity loss among the most significant global risks. These are not abstract future threats; they are realities impacting Finland now, affecting our forests, waters, and food production. While environmental security is part of our comprehensive security planning, the fundamental shift in mindset is still underway. We must elevate climate goals and nature conservation to the forefront of public discourse and decision-making, recognizing their profound implications for our economy and societal stability.

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Meidän on kyettävä katsomaan akuuttien kriisien yli ja vahvistettava pitkäjänteisesti yhteiskunnan resilienssiä.

This integration of environmental concerns into security is particularly relevant for Finland's commitment to a circular economy. Far from being just an environmental policy, the circular economy is a crucial element of our security policy. It reduces dependencies, strengthens our self-sufficiency (huoltovarmuus), and enhances our adaptability to change. How we manage resources directly correlates with our capacity to withstand future crises. Furthermore, a vibrant Finnish culture is fundamental to security, fostering social trust and cohesion, which are essential for navigating challenging times. Therefore, environmental security, circular economy principles, and cultural vitality must be discussed and acted upon at all levels of governance, from local communities to national policy.

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Maailman talousfoorumin tuoreimmat arviot nostavat säiden ääri-ilmiöt ja luonnon monimuotoisuuden heikkenemisen keskeisimpien globaalien riskien joukkoon.