Proposals for themes for the Government Programme from the Finnish Meteorological Institute

The Finnish Meteorological Institute has published its proposals for themes for the programme of the new Government that will start work next year. The themes are critical infrastructure, economic growth, safety, and the importance of reliable information in decision-making.

Critical infrastructure is the basis of weather services, new knowledge, and innovation

Producing and developing weather and condition services, innovations, or new research data is not possible without critical condition infrastructure - i.e. high-performance computing, the observation network, European and Finnish weather model and condition data. The data produced by the observation network and models is a key part of digital sovereignty, meaning that we produce Finnish and European data that is also available for the use of companies and business. The critical condition infrastructure must be continuously maintained and developed.

Weather and condition data and the space situation picture are a key part of military and national security and the functioning of society

The ability of the Finnish Meteorological Institute to produce up-to-date and proactive weather and condition data is critical in terms of military security. Ensuring the Defence Forces’ capabilities in all circumstances requires a continuous situational picture of the conditions on land, at sea, in the air, and in space. Accurate and up-to-date information on weather and conditions translates into military capability.

The safety of transport and society requires increasingly accurate, new-generation weather and condition services and impact projections. Forecasting and preparedness save lives and prevent financial losses. The conditions in Finland have already changed and we must prepare for the risks: the number of weather-related rescues in Finland has tripled over the past 20 years.

Weather and condition data are based on data produced by critical infrastructure, strong expertise, and the utilisation of artificial intelligence and new technology. The importance of space and satellite activities in the production of situation pictures will further grow. Therefore, the activities of the Arctic Space Centre in Sodankylä are critical in ensuring the reliability of satellite data and in producing condition data.

The funding, reliability, and capability required for the provision of weather and condition services must be ensured in all circumstances.

Finnish expertise in weather, conditions and space supports economic growth

Finland is larger than its size when it comes to weather, climate and space research, technology, and services - the export of which creates preconditions for growth for Finnish industry, generates new business, and strengthens Finland’s position in the international market. The unique and comprehensive capabilities of Finland and the Finnish Meteorological Institute in the space sector - infrastructure, research, services - create preconditions for the growth of space business. The Arctic Space Centre of Sodankylä is a stepping stone for both Finnish and international partners and companies.

The prerequisites for cooperation between the public sector and business and export opportunities as well as Finland’s position as an internationally significant operator in space activities must be strengthened.

Reliable and researched data is a prerequisite for smart and long-term decision-making

Northern areas are warming 2 to 4 times faster than the global average. Therefore, climate change has a significant impact on the conditions in different sectors in Finland. Climate change affects Finland’s economy, energy security, health, agriculture and forestry, transport, and tourism. In addition, the impacts of climate change on global food security, the economy, and refugees will be seen also in Finland. The release of the Arctic from ice will increase the military and economic interests in our neighbouring areas.

Reliable and researched information contributes to making decisions at the right time and in the right scale when these decisions have an impact on safety, human lives, or the economy. Research institutes produce reliable information to support decision-making and strengthen overall security and the prerequisites for Finland's success.