Climate risk workshops were held in autumn 2025
In 2025, the climate change risk workshop series held in Jyväskylä brought together about 50 participants: authorities, business representatives, city officials and residents. The aim of the workshops was to identify the key climate risks in the urban environment of Jyväskylä and to consider ways to strengthen preparedness.
Three particularly significant phenomena emerged in the discussions: heavy rains and floods, extreme heat and repeated cycles of freezing and melting.
Heavy rainfall and floods were seen as one of the biggest risks
The risks posed by heavy rainfall are emphasised in densely built areas, such as city centres, business plots and commercial centres with a lot of impermeable surfaces. From the perspective of companies, a particular concern was related to the fact that floods could cause significant economic losses if water enters indoor spaces. The moisture resistance of older buildings also sparked discussion.
Heat increases risk to health and well-being
Extreme heat was identified as a growing challenge that affects both the well-being of residents and the survival of urban nature. Prolonged hot spells are seen as a burden on health care. Many elderly people in particular live in old houses, where cooling solutions are often limited.
The discussions highlighted the need to increase shady living areas, trees and green layers in the urban environment.
Repeated freezing and thawing increase slipperiness and stress on structures
Warmer winters increase weather variation on both sides of zero, which increases the risk of slipperiness and the need for maintenance. The phenomenon also puts a strain on infrastructure – especially street and pipe structures – and increases the likelihood of pipe bursts.
Accidents caused by slippery conditions are already a significant cost, and they are expected to increase as weather variations increase.
Other risks that have emerged
Other climate-related risks were also discussed in the workshops. Drought was still estimated to be a moderate threat in Central Finland, but long periods of drought may weaken soil’s water absorption and increase the need for reserve water solutions. In the case of storms, the biggest concerns were related to sparsely populated areas and critical services, such as home care. In addition, biological risks were highlighted: invasive alien species and insect pests in forests can weaken urban nature and affect the state of waterways.
The level of preparedness varies between operators
According to the workshops, the authorities' preparedness for the impacts of climate change is at a good level in many respects, but continuous development work is needed. The awareness and capabilities of residents and private property owners vary. Some companies are well prepared, while others do not yet have climate risks reflected in their planning or everyday practices.
Seppälä was highlighted as the subject of further work
In the workshops, the Seppälä area emerged as an interesting site. The project Datalähtöisen kaupunkisuunnittelun työkalut ja innovaatiot ilmastonmuutokseen sopeutumisessa has started to draw up a more detailed plan for climate change preparedness and adaptation for the region The plan will also make use of the recently completed report on climate change in Central Finland.
Read the final report on the climate change risk workshops (in Finnish)
Further information
Eevi Koskela
project coordinator
tel. +358 40 8255 688
eevi.koskela[at]jyvaskyla.fi
