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CO-CARBON Festival 2026
The festival season kicks off in early May with an exhibition at Think Corner, University of Helsinki, showcasing research related to carbon-smart urban green. The exhibition will be on display throughout the summer. In May, libraries in Helsinki and Hyvinkää will also host exhibitions presenting ways to promote carbon-smartness in the local environment. CO-CARBON researchers have also created geocaches related to multiple benefits of urban green.
The highlight of the festival is the seminar “Where is urban green in climate action?“ on Wednesday, May 20, 13-15, at Think Corner, University of Helsinki, where the results of the CO-CARBON research project will be presented and the role of urban green as part of cities’ climate work will be discussed. The seminar is aimed at researchers, urban planning and green sector professionals, and anyone interested in the development and decision-making of climate-smart cities.
Phase II: 2023-2026
Research project
Urban green infrastructure (UGI) can be considered to be a next-generation solution for society to simultaneously deal with climate and social pressures. In CO-CARBON we will develop a new concept of carbon-smart UGI, and through co-creative processes, create science-based solutions to support its implementation among the society.
We use participatory and collaborative methods in which real case study areas and interactive learning platforms serve as key bases for communality and learning. The efficient interaction with key stakeholders and international project partners will allow mainstream and upscale carbon-smart solutions. For this, CO-CARBON brings together environmental, soil and social scientists with landscape designers, urban planners, businesses, governmental bodies, interest organisations and residents.
Policy recommendations
Carbon-smart urban green infrastructure as a climate solution
Cities play a key role in achieving Finland’s carbon neutrality goal. In addition to reducing emissions, carbon sinks need to be increased. This can be achieved through urban green – the entire spectrum of green areas in cities, from forests and meadows to built parks, street plantings, and courtyards.
The policy recommendations of the CO-CARBON project were published in May 2023. They are also available as a PDF.
The research consortium
The CO-CARBON project is being carried out in collaboration with the University of Helsinki, Aalto University, the Finnish Meteorological Institute, Häme University of Applied Sciences, and the University of Copenhagen. The project is funded by the Strategic Research Council, which operates in conjunction with the Academy of Finland.
