A first-of-its-kind pact
Mayor Karen Bass has signed a first-of-its-kind letter intended to promote climate cooperation and economic development between the city and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.
“The signing of this Letter of Intent with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland signifies bold steps to advance Los Angeles’ green transition and carbon neutrality goals, and with the current climate crisis, we know we need to take bold action,” Bass said.
She added that the partnership will aid the city in efforts to find innovative ways to confront the climate crisis, strengthen business, investment and green jobs in the L.A. region. The agreement is a joint effort with partners across the city and county of Los Angeles.
“We are locking arms on every level, local, federal and now international, to address this crucial issue,” Bass said.
The agreement is the result of more than two years of collaboration on shared goals for carbon neutrality and clean energy transition, Bass’ office noted, with the aim of achieving 100% clean energy by 2035. The letter outlines four key areas for collaboration: Smart and green ports; smart and sustainable mobility and transit; decarbonizing the build environment; and renewable energy and grid resiliency.
“This Letter of Intent lays the foundation for mutually beneficial cooperation between Finland and the city of Los Angeles, and is a concrete step towards achieving our carbon neutrality goals,” Finland Minister Ville Tavio said.
Tavio described Los Angeles as a forerunner in adopting “innovative solutions and investing in renewable energy solutions,” while Finland is known as a “pioneer of digital technology, smart mobility and clean energy solutions.”
He added, “We have a lot to offer to and learn from each other. The needs of citizens will remain in the center of our dialogue. It is important to analyze the impact of technical solutions on the lives of citizens and communities.”
It was noted that any differences derived from the agreement will be resolved through discussion and negotiation. Additionally, no funds will be exchanged as a result of the agreement. It’s intended to remain in effect for five years, and can be renewed for another five years.
While city officials have emphasized their goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2025, the letter notes the city of Los Angeles aims to be carbon neutral by 2050 or earlier. Finland has climate laws that aim for carbon-neutrality by 2035.
It also delves into details about the four key areas of collaboration.
Regarding smart and green ports, the city and Finland seek to focus on sustainable ports–with the goals of ensuring the Port of Los Angeles and Finland ports remain competitive, facilitate cargo and job growth, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to meet local environmental standards.
Finland will aim to share best practices and co-develop solutions to help solve some of L.A.’s complex mobility challenges. These solutions may look similar to what has worked in Nordic countries and may be adapted to the needs of the city of L.A., such as zero-emission vehicle services, EV charging solutions, improved connectivity and alternative fuels.
Both parties will work together to share effective strategies to decarbonize the built environments, which could look like sharing information on retrofitting projects, sustainable and smart tools for design, clean construction practices, life cycle analysis and carbon footprint assessments.
