Sustainability Transition in North Karelia: Actor Networks and Situational Analysis (KEMUTT)

Solving the climate crisis and halting biodiversity loss require a profound societal sustainability transition—one that leads to a low-emission, ecologically sustainable, and socially just society. In North Karelia, this transition holds the potential to generate new vitality and wellbeing. At the same time, it presents region-specific challenges rooted in the area’s history, economic structure, demographics, and geographical characteristics. These regional dynamics often remain overlooked in national environmental and climate policy discussions, highlighting the need for locally grounded knowledge and analysis.

This project aims to create a timely and comprehensive overview of the progress of the sustainability transition in North Karelia. The situational analysis will identify key challenges and structural bottlenecks faced by local actors as they move toward ecologically, socially, and economically sustainable practices.

A second core objective is to map the regional actor network by identifying and describing key stakeholders working to advance the sustainability transition. The project takes an actor-oriented approach: Who are the key enablers of change? What kinds of frontrunners can be found in North Karelia? The mapping will offer a clear picture of the regional landscape and its interaction dynamics, enabling more effective collaboration and resource allocation.

Building on these two components, the project will also propose preliminary measures to help harness the opportunities of the sustainability transition in a systematic and impactful way.