Heatwaves threaten also Northern cities – technical cooling solutions can save lives and be economically viable
With climate change, heat waves are becoming more common and stronger – not only in southern Europe, but also in northern latitudes, such as Finland. A recent study1 examines how Finnish cities can adapt to increasing heat risks and reduce mortality due to heat waves with the help of technical cooling solutions. The study of three cities – Helsinki, Turku and Oulu – assessed the cost-effectiveness of district cooling and air conditioning as cooling measures in different climate scenarios. The results show that cooling solutions can be very profitable with the value of human life set at 38,200–416,000 euros according to commonly used standards. This means that the benefits can be up to 18 times the costs. Since there is no separate VSL estimate (Value of a Statistical Life) for Finland, the estimate recommended by the Swedish authorities of EUR 2,4 million was used in the study. Although there are significantly higher estimates in the research literature, such as the 6,4 million euros presented by Keller et al. (2021)2 in the health sector, a more conservative figure was used in this context.
Helsinki would benefit the most – profitability in Oulu depends on values
Cooling is the most economically viable in Helsinki, because it has the most vulnerable residents, such as the elderly. In Oulu, where the climate is cooler, the profitability of cooling depends more on how high the value of human life (VSL) is set and at what interest rate future benefits are discounted, i.e. how much value is given to the benefits and costs that will be realized in the future. The study shows that without adaptation, heat waves can cause costs of billions of euros due to increased mortality – up to 18 billion euros in Helsinki in the worst-case climate scenario.
Policy measures and private investments are crucial
The researchers recommend expanding the district cooling network and more efficient deployment, especially targeting vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and children. Cooling of public buildings, such as hospitals and daycare centres, should be prioritised. In addition, state support is needed for municipalities to be able to implement adaptation measures effectively. Private investments in cooling should be promoted, for example, through subsidies, so that residents of apartment buildings can protect themselves from the heat. At present, the use of cooling devices in apartment buildings is often restricted.
Cooling is not without problems – environmental impacts must be accounted for
Although cooling saves lives, it can increase energy consumption and emissions. However, the situation in Finland is better than in many other countries: in Turku, for example, 95% of district heating is produced with renewable energy sources. The researchers emphasize that cooling should be supplemented with environmentally friendly solutions, such as urban greenery and reflective building materials. Researchers have recently published a study on the cost-effectiveness of greening for cooling in three cities3.
A more extensive health impact assessment is needed
The study focused on mortality, but cooling can also reduce other health problems, such as cardiovascular and respiratory disease, mental health problems, and sleep disorders. Taking these effects into account may further strengthen the justification for cooling.
Conclusions
Heat waves are a growing threat in Finland as well. Cooling solutions are an effective and economically justified way to protect people, but their implementation requires both public guidance and private participation – and environmental impacts must be taken seriously.
1 Hyyrynen, M., Ollikainen, M., Käyhkö, J. et al. Cooling is a cost-efficient way to adapt to heatwaves even in high-latitude cities. Climatic Change 178, 96 (2025).
2 Keller, E. et al. How Much Is a Human Life Worth? A Systematic Review. Value in Health, 24, 10 (2021).
3 Suomi, J., Hyyrynen, M., Käyhkö, J. et al. Economic viability of urban greening as a climate change adaptation measure in cool-climate cities. Reg Environ Change 25, 95 (2025).