Studying climate related attitudes and challenges in two Finnish municipalities - Local views and experiences related to wind turbines

This study presents learnings gained from transdisciplinary case studies that are conducted in two Finnish municipalities as part of European research project CLEANcultures. The aim of the project is to increase understanding about local climate-related challenges, to trigger learning and to empower local actors towards bottom-up activities. Additionally, the project aims at informing policymakers about local perspectives that should be considered to increase acceptance of climate policies.
Within the project, the focus of the analysis is on neighborhoods. Case studies are conducted in four countries and nine different neighborhoods that range from suburbs to small rural communities. The project shares a methodological framework which has been adapted to local conditions and needs. Data has been gathered by interviewing residents, local policy makers representatives of the municipality and local business sector actors. In addition, phone surveys were conducted, and local events are organized to engage with citizens.
In Finland, studied case regions are municipalities of Pyhäntä and Simo. Both are small, sparsely populated municipalities in which several wind parks have been built and new parks are in the planning phase. While the attitudes towards wind turbines in the case regions have been mostly positive or neutral, wind parks have also created resistance and local activism.
Significant challenges have been faced in reaching and attracting the local people into the research process. Simo and Pyhäntä have small populations and inhabitants live in several villages located far away from each other. Another issue is anonymity as specific opinions and backgrounds are easy to identify within a small population. However, unique material has been gathered and those who have participated have been very interested and open about the research topic. Next steps include analysis of collected research data and considering how the findings could be used to support local decision-processes and information needs.