Helsinki’s greenhouse gas emissions dropped sharply, traffic emissions increased
In 2024, Helsinki’s greenhouse gas emissions fell by 16 percent, mainly due to the end of coal energy use. Traffic became the city’s largest source of emissions, growing by 3 percent as the biofuel share decreased.
A new environmental report from the City of Helsinki shows that greenhouse gas emissions from residents, services, and industry fell by 16 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year. The main driver was the phase-out of coal, with the Hanasaari power plant closing in spring 2023 and Salmisaari in spring 2025. Traffic has since become the largest source of emissions in Helsinki.
The decline in coal use and a shift towards heat pumps cut the district heating emissions by 27 percent. Emissions from electricity consumption decreased by 14 percent, despite a 5 percent rise in electricity use.
Traffic emissions, however, rose by 3 percent, largely because the share of biofuels in transport fuels declined.
“Helsinki’s climate work has entered a new phase now that coal-fired energy production has ended and traffic has become the main source of emissions. Meeting our climate goals will require a wide range of measures to change both vehicle fuels and travel demand. The city will continue major investments in charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, rail transport, and in improving conditions for walking and cycling,” said Hanna Wesslin, Helsinki’s Climate Director.
Emissions down 54 percent since 1990
Public transport ridership increased compared to the previous year but has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels. Helsinki Region Transport (HSL) introduced about 120 new electric buses, which covered nearly 42 percent of bus kilometers. The number of electric cars continued to grow, with rechargeable vehicles making up 20,7 percent of all cars in use (up from 16,7 percent in 2023).
Compared to 1990, Helsinki’s total emissions were 54 percent lower in 2024. Direct per capita emissions were 2,4 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, down 18 percent from the previous year and 67 percent below 1990 levels. Under the city’s new strategy proposal, Helsinki aims to reduce emissions by 85 percent by 2030 (from 1990 levels) and to reach net zero by 2040.
In 2024, 38 percent of Helen Ltd’s energy production came from renewable sources, and altogether 63 percent was carbon neutral.
Environmental report tracks progress
In spring 2024, the City Board adopted new environmental protection targets, including the aim of protecting 10 percent of land and water areas by 2038. Last year, five new nature reserves were established in Helsinki, with more planned in the coming years.
The annual environmental report tracks progress on the city’s environmental protection goals and assesses the impacts of its activities. It also monitors the implementation of key programmes such as the Carbon Neutral Helsinki Action Plan, the Climate Change Adaptation Guidelines, and the Circular and Sharing Economy Action Plan.
The City Council will review the 2024 Environmental Report later this month.
City of Helsinki: Climate work in Helsinki
