Over Half of Finnish Consumers Cut Back on Shopping Due to Climate Concerns

The findings are based on the 2025 “Climate and Nature Barometers,” which surveyed over 2,000 individuals across the country. Conducted by four government ministries in cooperation with various agencies and organizations, the studies explored public attitudes on issues such as emissions reduction, biodiversity, and personal responsibility.

The results reveal a high level of awareness among Finnish citizens. More than 85 percent of respondents said they have observed the effects of climate change, while 88 percent reported noticing the global consequences of nature loss. Additionally, 86 percent believe that declining biodiversity will significantly impact areas like food production, public health, economic stability, and supply security.

A majority of participants indicated they are already experiencing climate change in their daily lives. Around 62 percent said that winters have become noticeably milder in recent years, while 55 percent reported witnessing biodiversity loss in their local surroundings.

This growing concern is also influencing behavior. Over 40 percent of respondents stated that they have adjusted their lifestyles—including transportation, housing, and dietary choices—to reduce their environmental footprint.

Notably, 53 percent said they are buying fewer goods overall, a marked increase compared to 43 percent recorded in a similar survey conducted two years earlier. Furthermore, an overwhelming 91 percent agreed that products should be made more durable, even if that leads to higher prices.

However, opinions were more divided when it came to dietary changes. Although new national guidelines encourage reduced meat consumption, only 69 percent agreed that environmentally sustainable, plant-based diets should be more affordable than high-emission alternatives. At the same time, half of those surveyed opposed broader societal efforts to promote plant-based eating habits.

The surveys also examined perceptions of responsibility. A vast majority—96 percent—said that clean nature is a core part of Finnish identity. Still, respondents were nearly evenly split on whether current efforts are sufficient to protect it.

Ongoing public debate in Finland focuses on achieving carbon neutrality by 2035, as outlined in the country’s Climate Act, as well as strengthening forest carbon sinks. In line with this, 62 percent of respondents believe Finland must take adequate measures to meet its climate targets, while 75 percent support increased attention to forest management practices.

In addition, 80 percent of participants think companies should be required to take stronger action to reduce emissions. However, fewer than half—just 41 percent—believe that Finnish businesses are currently doing enough to consider biodiversity in their operations.