The first comprehensive regional climate risks assessment for Southwest Finland (in Finnish) was published in May. According to the assessment, heavy rainfall, heatwaves, drought and nature-related risks rank as the most severe climate risks in the region. Apart from windstorms, all risks are projected to increase in severity in the future. Agriculture is considered to be the most vulnerable sector and the Archipelago Sea the most vulnerable ecosystem in the region. Both are facing the impacts of several simultaneous risks.

The risk assessment is based on the key risks assessment model of the CLIMAAX project that was customized by the project team to fit the regional needs. In addition to weather-related acute risks presented in the CLIMAAX toolbox, this assessment also pays close attention to chronic risks such as the increased moisture burden of buildings. Three new risk categories were added to the model. As the winters are expected to become milder and there will be more rain, sleet, and ice, Southwest Finland will face a wide array of new winter-related risks. Biotic risks (such as pests and diseases) and nature-related risks (i.e. biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation) were added to further emphasize the connections between climate change and nature.  

In the assessment, the project team combined existing scientific knowledge, climate risk analyses conducted with CLIMAAX tools, and the local knowledge of both citizens and experts from more than 30 local organizations.