Laurence Tubiana, CEO of the European Climate Foundation and Europe’s Special Envoy for the COP30 Climate Conference, visited Finland to discuss the direction of climate policy and the importance of international cooperation. The visit was organized in collaboration with the TAH Foundation and the Climate Leadership Coalition.
A long-standing figure in climate policy, Tubiana played a central role in negotiating the Paris Agreement in 2015. She is now preparing for COP30, which will be hosted by Brazil in Belém in November 2025.
During her visit, Tubiana met with members of Parliament, civil servants from key ministries, representatives from the business sector, civil society organizations, and other foundations. She emphasized that advancing the climate transition requires commitment and long-term cooperation from all sectors of society — especially in a time of shifting global power dynamics.
Europe remains the only region in the world that has succeeded in reducing its emissions while maintaining a strong social contract. Tubiana highlighted this as an achievement that must be protected — and never taken for granted.
In her view, climate policy must be pursued across all levels of governance and society. To ensure the transition proceeds on time, it is essential to both implement effective measures and communicate clearly that this is not an elite-driven project, but a change that benefits everyone.
“Nordic countries can show that by coming together, governments, business, and civil society can unlock the economic opportunities in decreasing our emissions. It was inspiring to see what this type of collaboration can achieve,” Tubiana said.
In her discussions with Finnish stakeholders, Tubiana raised several timely themes:
- Europe must stay the course on climate action. While the transition has been slow, progress is undeniable: electric vehicle sales are rising rapidly, renewable energy production is growing, and a significant number of countries have now set net-zero targets. At the same time, Tubiana reminded listeners that although China has made important strides, it continues to build new coal-fired power plants.
- Nordic climate leadership is more relevant than ever. The Nordic countries have been pioneers in international climate policy since the 1980s and 1990s. Tubiana encouraged them to continue playing this role — especially now, when Europe as a whole must prove it can lead. She urged Nordic actors to send a clear message: the direction of climate policy remains the right one.
- Defense spending and the green transition are not mutually exclusive. Tubiana emphasized that increased investments in security can be aligned with the needs of green industries, for example through strategic use of public procurement. A coordinated approach can serve both goals.
- International cooperation is critical. Climate cooperation between Europe and China is a key element of the preparations for COP30. Tubiana noted that President Xi Jinping has, for the first time, identified climate change as a national challenge.
- Nature-based solutions must take center stage. Tubiana stressed the need to place nature-based approaches at the heart of climate policy. At the same time, she expressed concern about the growing influence of the oil and gas industry in international climate negotiations.
- The future of EU regulation raises concerns. Tubiana voiced serious worries that essential components of the EU’s environmental and sustainability framework — including the climate-related provisions of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) — may be weakened in the legislative process tied to the OMNIBUS initiative. She urged stakeholders to actively engage with the European Parliament and Commission in the coming months to ensure that the competitive advantage built by frontrunner companies is not lost.