Recipes for Systemic Change - Helsinki Design Lab

Climate ChangeChemical pollution(not yet quantified)Ocean acidificationAtmosphericaerosol loading(not yetquantified)Biodiversity lossChange inland useStratosphericozone depletionNitrogencycle(biogeochemicalflow boundary)PhosphoruscycleGlobalfreshwater useThe Systemic Nature of the Climate Change ChallengeSome Key Challenges To Decarbonization➢ The decarbonization of a nation is a massive challenge. Each potentialarea of activity has the depth and complexity to consume the resourcesof those working to spark change. Focusing on the principal factors thatdetermine carbon emissions will be of critical importance. Below is a partiallist of challenges that serve as a primer for a broader discussion of whatmust be done to achieve carbon neutrality:SourceRockström,Johan, et al."A Safe OperatingSpacefor Humanity"Nature 461(2009)➢ Government Protection: Overcoming preferential treatment of energyintensive industries via subsidies, exemption and special status (metals,engineering, manufacturing, forest and chemical industries modernisedFinland’s economy in the twentieth century and raised the standard of living).➢ Decoupling Growth & Emissions: Finland’s national carbon sinkcapacity is roughly equal to its 1968 carbon emissions level (33 Mt CO2/a).A reversal to 1968 GDP levels is not a feasible mitigation approach—a transitionalstrategy is needed to push down Finland’s emissions curve whileallowing growth to continue. Binding emissions reductions to economicgrowth should be the long-term goal.1968 2008 Percentage IncreaseGDP (Billions of USD) 8,8 271,3 3000%GDPP (USD) 9.490 28.560 200%212