Joonas Merikanto: “Through dialogue, we can create concrete solutions and find ways to respond to climate change”
Joonas Merikanto, senior researcher at the Finnish Meteorological Institute, has specialised in atmospheric modelling. Merikanto examines the climate and its changes at the system level. Merikanto emphasises the importance of societal dialogue and collaboration to mitigate climate change and adapt to it.
How does climate change alter living conditions around the world? Joonas Merikanto has been working on this question for nearly 20 years. Since 2014, Merikanto has been working at the Finnish Meteorological Institute. As a senior researcher, their field of expertise is atmospheric modelling.
Climate models are complex entities driven by supercomputers. The models include a vast number of physical representations of various phenomena affecting the climate, such as cloud formation or ocean currents.
“By developing physical representations, we aim to create an increasingly accurate description of the Earth’s entire climate system. We also examine how climate change can be mitigated and how different future scenarios affect the progress of climate change.”
Merikanto started their research at the molecular level but then ended up examining the climate and its changes at the system level. The holistic perspective fascinates the researcher: how the various components affect one another in climate change and, consequently, impact changes in the natural environment.
In recent years, Merikanto has spoken about climate change in their role as a researcher to a wide range of audiences across society: from politicians to business leaders and from ordinary citizens to representatives of the Defence Forces. Climate issues bring together different stakeholders.
Research drives the transition to a climate-friendly world
The climate is warming at an unprecedented rate in the Arctic and Antarctic. That is why the polar regions are at the centre of the research carried out by Merikanto. Climate change will change local nature and geopolitics, as the Arctic ice cover retreats and enables the utilisation of the area.
Merikanto has examined why climate change is accelerating and the role it plays in extreme weather phenomena. One topical issue relates to ocean currents: how does AMOC, which dominates the North Atlantic, react to climate change?
Merikanto engages in active cooperation with the international research community. Climate models and research results are used, for example, as background material for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports and to support the planning of EU climate funding.
“It is rewarding to see that our research – as part of the work of the entire international research community – affects how societies are developed in a more climate-friendly direction,” Merikanto praises and adds:
“At the same time, I, along with the entire research community, worry about the disconnect between politics and reality, and whether our planet will remain habitable and thriving in the future.”
Long-term climate policy requires dialogue and cooperation
Merikanto describes the the Finnish Climate Change Panel as an independent scientific panel whose message is purely based on science, without political bias. The task of the panel is to provide decision-makers with up-to-date and reliable scientific understanding of climate issues.
Merikanto hopes that trust in science can be maintained beyond political lines. Only long-term policy produces results. Finland can still reach carbon neutrality by 2035, as long as it stays committed to its targets.
“The big picture has been understood for a long time, and the scientific message has been clear. We now have a better understanding of what climate change means also at the local and detailed level. I see that the Finnish Climate Change Panel can act as a mediator and articulator of knowledge in this work.”
To ensure that the voices of different actors are heard, Merikanto emphasises the importance of dialogue. The panel brings together different actors in society and maintains a two-way dialogue.
Planning and decision-making on sustainable climate policy require cooperation. Merikanto believes that future scenarios shouldn’t be made only by natural scientists; the entire society must be involved in their development.
“Science can provide basic parameters of climate change, but understanding society’s actual needs requires dialogue. Through dialogue, we can create concrete solutions and find ways to respond to climate change.”
A shared overall picture helps combat climate change
What is and will be particularly important in mitigating climate change? Merikanto draws attention to changes in energy consumption and the phasing out of fossil fuels.
In addition to combating climate change, it is necessary to adapt to changing conditions. Recognising the combined effects of climate and nature helps us understand what is needed to prepare for climate change economically and efficiently, using the right resources.
“It is essential to create a shared overall picture of climate change, what it means to us Finns and the world. This is why I want the Finnish Climate Change Panel to encourage different stakeholders to discuss climate change within a common framework.”
“So far, addressing and preparing for climate change is affordable and presents opportunities. The longer we wait, the more likely humanity will be forced to pay the price.”
As a counterbalance to their climate work, Merikanto enjoys a wide range of cultural activities. Merikanto also appreciates culture as a creative way to explore climate change themes, ensuring that humanity’s greatest existential challenge does not go unnoticed by anyone.