2018 Reports

Climate Adaptation in Helsinki, Finland

Haanpaa, Simo; Klein, Johannes

Helsinki faces increasing coastal flood risks from sea level rise, storm surges, and extreme precipitation, with projected 1/250-year flood levels reaching +2.73 meters by 2100. The city has adopted a multi-level adaptation strategy including elevated construction standards, flood walls, pumping stations, stormwater management through green infrastructure, and preserving floodplains in areas like Arabianranta. Coordination between municipal, regional, and national authorities has guided planning, with voluntary strategies fostering broad consensus and integration into city policies. Helsinki’s approach emphasizes proactive, science-based measures to protect infrastructure and urban populations from future climate impacts.