Over the past year, differences in the reported carbon balances of Finland and Sweden, particularly regarding soil carbon, have been widely covered in the media and discussed across various platforms. The comparison is not straightforward, however, even though it is clear that the differences are partly attributable to methodological variation. For example, regarding soil carbon in mineral soils, Sweden reports a 30-year trend based on soil carbon measurements, whereas the modelling approach used in Finland describes change using a five-year moving average. Differences also exist in how growing stock is calculated.
Despite these methodological differences, both countries share one central concern: the significant uncertainties associated with carbon balance estimates. At the same time, there is a recognized need to strengthen dialogue and further develop cooperation between the two countries.
As an opening step towards enhanced collaboration, the HIKET project is organizing a two-day Finland–Sweden workshop in early June. The workshop will focus on improving soil carbon balance calculations and on identifying uncertainties related to carbon balances, as well as comparing different assessment methods.
The workshop brings together researchers and stakeholders from Finland and Sweden to take a broad look at HIKET's research areas and to discuss the needs for developing research infrastructure. The discussions will also address how this work can help build a stronger foundation for national climate policy in both countries. An additional aim is to develop a shared understanding between the two countries of the needs for advancing EU-level carbon balance accounting and of the strategic risks associated with carbon balances.