My election promises

My most important goal for the upcoming council term is to ensure that Helsinki is making planetary decisions. This means that planetary boundaries are taken into account in all decision-making, not forgetting the disadvantaged, future generations or animals of other species. All decision-making must be based on research-based information and, above all, be fair.

1. Helsinki’s carbon footprint to a sustainable level. Helsinki must promote the reduction of its residents’ carbon footprint to the 2030 target level of 2.5 tonnes. In order to reduce Helsinki residents’ emissions, Helsinki must invest in sustainable energy production, promote public transport and opportunities for walking and cycling, and move towards plant-based food in all public food services. Public transport must serve all residential areas as well as possible and be affordable for everyone. Helsinki must aim for free public transport.
2. Save urban forests. Local forests are vital to nature and city dwellers andmust no longer be destroyed to make way for construction. Local forests maintain the health and well-being of city dwellers and help them adapt to a warming climate. Nature loss must be stopped, and Helsinki can and must do its part to achieve this goal. If the city must grow, the better direction is up rather than over the forests. Underused office buildings or industrial areas must also be converted to residential use and residential areas.
3. A fair city and world for all. A city that cares about its residents prevents exclusion, supports minorities and takes care of children and young people. Disability, mental health and substance abuse services must be in order. Immigrants must be taken into account in all the city’s service offerings. High-quality early childhood education must be offered in human-sized units and investment must be made in education. Sufficient resources must be directed to child protection, student welfare, special education and youth work. The elderly must be offered a dignified old age. By promoting a plant-based diet, Helsinki also promotes animal rights. The examination of fairness must also include environmental and human rights impacts that extend beyond the borders of Helsinki and our country.

You can read more about my thoughts and goals in Yle Election Compass.