Finland climate change threatens tourism

The annual average temperature in the Arctic is increasing at almost twice the rate of the rest of the world. Snowy landscapes and arctic animals are being affected.

Scientists predict the amount of time Finland is covered under snow will be less than it was just a few decades ago. And as Peter Kovoes explains that is also threatening tourism.

Polar bears, snowy owls and iced over rivers, a typical winter scene in Lapland. But that could all change in the not-too-distant future because of climate change.

In Arctic regions, larger areas of land and water are now visible. The impact of climate change is becoming apparent in Finland. Many arctic species are declining, while southern species are spreading north.

Miikka Halonen, project manager of Clim-Atic Project, said, "If the winter is shorter we possibly could have this Black Christmas. Because the winter and Christmas tourism is very important for Rovaniemi we need snow! And we have Santa Claus, and snow and Santa Claus have to be together."

Tourists expect a winter wonderland full of reindeer and snow.

Jari Pasanen, chief of Lapland Regional Environment Centre, said, "Of course it is a very important question for all of us who are working and living here in Lapland, and in fact, several programmes and projects are already going on with climate change questions and issues."

A Finnish National Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change wants society to adapt to change environment, by minimizing its adverse impact or taking advantage of its benefits.

Several countries in northern Europe are also involved in the project.