Structural overconsumption is a critical challenge for Finland and the world

Significant overuse of natural resources, particularly in wealthy countries and among affluent populations, is a key driver of breaching the planet’s ecological boundaries, according to a recent statement by the Finnish Expert Panel for Sustainable Development. Structural overconsumption is embedded in economic growth dependence, consumer culture, infrastructure, legal systems and inequality.

The panel proposes degrowth-oriented measures as a solution.

The statement was commissioned by the Parliamentary Committee for the Future’s Working Group on Overconsumption. It was prepared by Expert Panel members Lassi Linnanen, Professor of Environmental Economics at LUT University, and Niko Soininen, Professor of Environmental Law at the University of Eastern Finland.

“The Committee for the Future has chosen overconsumption as one of its themes for examination. We want to find ways to align the consumption of natural resources with the limits of the planet’s carrying capacity. What kind of future does that imply? What changes will it require in current structures? What could the path to a sustainable future look like? These are the questions we want to explore together with experts,” says Krista Mikkonen, Chair of the Working Group on Overconsumption and Green Party MP.

Technology alone cannot solve overconsumption

Overconsumption shows up in meat-heavy diets, frequent leisure air travel, car-centric transport systems and the overuse of forests.

Current pathways, such as technological innovations and green growth, have not managed to break the link between economic growth and environmental harm. Technological solutions are needed but not sufficient: moderating production and consumption remains crucial.

“Structural overconsumption is a systemic phenomenon that requires broad societal debate, political courage and new ways of thinking,” says Lassi Linnanen, Chair of the Expert Panel.

Degrowth-oriented policies offer an alternative approach aimed at steering consumption and resource use within ecological limits in a controlled way. They emphasise distinguishing between needs and wants. Basic human needs can be met, but our wants often exceed sustainable boundaries – something we must recognise more clearly.

Finland is among Europe’s highest-consuming countries

Concrete policy tools for a degrowth transition include wealth taxes, consumption quotas, higher taxation on environmentally harmful products and restrictions on harmful advertising. Rethinking work – for example through basic income or shorter working hours – may also support the shift.

A growth-dependent economic system and the public finances tied to it demand continuous increases in production, consumption and efficiency.

Advertising and consumer culture link wellbeing to consumption, while global flows of labour and resources maintain an unequal system that enables overconsumption. The economic system is upheld by a legal framework that protects property rights, contractual freedom and economic liberties such as the freedom to conduct business. The fundamental right to a clean environment is often sidelined as a result.

“A successful sustainability transition requires reforming economic and legal structures and strengthening people’s agency and capacity for influence,” says Professor Niko Soininen.

Finland is among Europe’s highest-consuming countries, exceeding Earth’s carrying capacity by roughly fourfold. Structural overconsumption is Finland’s biggest barrier to sustainability.

"Growth is not on the horizon, which underscores Finland’s need to transform its economy. At the same time, I see this as an opportunity for Finland to become a pioneer of sufficiency economy,” Linnanen concludes.

Soininen, N. & Linnanen, L.: Rakenteellinen ylikulutus. Lausunto eduskunnan tulevaisuusvaliokunnan Ylikulutus-ohjausryhmälle, 2025