It is time for the Carbon-Smart Urban Green Festival! The festival begins in May and includes free exhibitions, geocaching, and a seminar presenting research results of the CO-CARBON project.
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.
Following calendar summarizes the events of the CO-CARBON festival in May 2026. Below you can find sections that tell more about the individual events.
This Carbon-Smart Urban Green Festival is the final festival organised by the CO-CARBON research project. Previous festivals were held in 2021 and 2023.
(Photo: Mikko Raskinen, Aalto-yliopisto)
Wednesday 20.5., 13-15, Think Corner Stage, University of Helsinki (Yliopistonk. 4)
Seminar: Where is urban green in climate action?
How can we accelerate the transition to a climate-neutral society and cities? What is the role of urban green in this shift?
Welcome to the CO-CARBON final seminar to hear about the key scientific results of the project! In addition, the practical Handbook for Carbon-Smart Urban Green will be published in the event. Keynote speaker Prof. Michael Christie from Aberystwyth University, UK, will reflect on the broader context of economic and social valuation of urban green spaces. Finally, the panel will discuss how to safeguard urban green and its climate benefits in a growing city.
The seminar is targeted to urban planners, researchers, landscape architects, green infrastructure professionals, and everyone interested in the development and decision-making of carbon-smart cities. The registration for the event has ended, but it is possible to follow the event online through this link: https://tiedekulmamedia.helsinki.fi/en/tiedekulma/event/details/412687801/
Programme
12.30 Coffee and tea available for the registered participants
13:00 Welcome! Introducing the CO-CARBON research project | Professor Leena Järvi, University of Helsinki
13:05 Keynote: The economic and social values of urban green space: Insights from the IPBES values Assessment | Professor Michael Christie, Aberystwyth University, UK
13:30 Findings of the CO-CARBON research project
14:15 Carbon-smart urban green handbook launch | Associate Professor Ranja Hautamäki, Aalto-University
14:20 Panel discussion: How to safeguard urban green and its climate benefits in a growing city?
Panelists:
- Michael Christie, Professor, Business School, Aberystwyth University, UK
- Kaisa Mustajärvi, Development Manager, City of Tampere & Professor of Practice, University of Jyväskylä
- Liisa Kulmala, Senior Scientist and Group Leader, Finnish Meteorological Institute
- Jere Nieminen, Researcher, Entrepreneur, Future Nature Ltd
15:00 Closing of the seminar
More information:
May-September 2026
Exhibitions
Lungs of the City: an exhibition of the carbon cycles of the urban green 5.5.-16.10. in Think Corner (Yliopistonkatu 4)
We breathe in what plants breathe out – and vice versa. At the same time, carbon is sequestred to the soil, also in cities. The exhibition in Think Corner presents the special characteristics of the carbon cycle of urban green and also shares tips for home gardeners.
The carbon cycles in cities have been studied only recently. Traditionally, attention has focused on nature outside cities. Urban forests are the first to come to mind as carbon sinks, although surprisingly in Helsinki half of the natural carbon sinks in the urban compose of built green. In addition to trees, other types of vegetation, such as shrubs and lawns, also play a role. Soil is often a larger carbon reservoir than vegetation, which is why soil health should not be forgotten even in cities.
In the exhibition, the results of the CO-CARBON project are presented visually. One of the works on display is a large 3 x 2 meter map, which allows you to check the canopy cover of a familiar block. You can also see an experimental short film Lungs, inspired by research data, made by artists Teemu Lehmusruusu and Roberto Fusco.
The Lungs of the City exhibition will be on display at the Think Corner of the University of Helsinki from May 5 to October 16, 2026, and can be visited during the Think Corner’s opening hours. The exhibition is free of charge.
Libraries
The Carbon Gardening exhibition shows how each one of us can take small steps to make our own yard, apartment building yard, or local green area better at sequestering and storing carbon. The topic is explored through three themes: increasing vegetation, caring for the soil, and utilizing branches and leaves. The exhibition will be on display in May at Paloheinä, Itäkeskus, and Kannelmäki libraries, as well as at the Hyvinkää Main Library.
More information:
May 2026>
The caches of urban green
The carbon sinks and multiple benefits of urban green can be explored during the festival by searching for caches, just like treasure hunt! The caches of urban green are scattered around Helsinki, showcasing result of CO-CARBON research.
More information:
