Urban form and greenhouse gas emissions: Summary

This report studies the impacts of changes in regional and urban form on greenhouse gas emissions to the year 2010, when, in accordance with the Kyoto protocol, Finland’s greenhouse gas emissions should be reduced to 1990 level.

The main links between social changes, regional and urban form and greenhouse gas emissions were identified. Two scenarios have been prepared on the future development of regional and urban form in Finland to the year 2010. The first, the business as usual scenario, is based on the present trends. The other, the target oriented scenario, assumes decreased greenhouse gas
emissions. The impact of each scenario on greenhouse gas emissions was assessed. Appropriate measures to control urban development were determined and thus achieve the goals.