.

According to data released by Statistics Finland, Finland has succeeded in fulfilling its emission reduction target for the first phase of the Kyoto Protocol, which seeks to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by placing binding limits on industrialized countries.

The numbers show that between 2008 and 2012 emissions in Finland dropped to five percent below the levels specified for Finland in the accord. Actual data submitted to Statistics Finland last December varied from preliminary data by just 0.01 percent.

Greenhouse gas emissions in 2012 fell by 5.9 million tons of carbon dioxide compared to the previous year, 2011 to reach 61 million tons. Emissions reductions were reported in all sectors of industry, but declined most in the energy sector, where emissions fell by 10 percent.