Nordic sustainability briefing: warm October, adaptation finance gap, heat pumps and the COP31 agenda
Finland recorded an exceptionally warm October with some coastal stations setting records, while UNEP reports that adaptation finance for developing countries remains far below estimated needs. The briefing also covers the IEA's finding that European heat pump sales are growing but sensitive to short-term incentives, and the COP31 action agenda's new electrification goal and buildings efficiency compact.
Finnish Meteorological Institute: October was exceptionally warm across much of Finland
Southern and central Finland saw an exceptionally warm October, and some Gulf of Finland and coastal stations recorded their warmest October on record. By the end of the month the whole country was snow-free, whereas first snow has normally fallen across most of northern Finland by then. Yle reported temperatures 2–4 °C above average, with a monthly high of 18.2 °C.
UNEP Adaptation Gap Report 2026: finance flows remain far below estimated needs
UNEP reports that international public adaptation finance to developing countries reached US$28.2–31.7 billion in 2024, against estimated needs of about US$305 billion a year by 2035. Even tripling these flows by 2035 would cover only 20–29 per cent of needs. The report also says the first round of requests to the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage totalled US$2.8 billion, against an initial US$342 million envelope.
IEA Heat Pump Monitor: European sales recovered in 2025, but demand is sensitive to short-term incentives
The IEA reports that Europe accounts for over 20% of global heat pump sales, with double-digit growth in 2025 that continued into the first quarter of 2026. It says the historical sales trend shows sensitivity to short-term incentives, and that stable long-term frameworks are needed to sustain growth. Without heat pumps, gas use for building heating in Europe would have been more than 10% higher, the agency estimates.
COP31 action agenda adds an electrification goal and a buildings efficiency compact
The COP31 presidency's action agenda includes a target to raise electricity's share of global final energy use to 35% by 2035, based on IRENA analysis, up from about 20% today. UNEP says an Antalya Compact for Energy Efficient Buildings will also be launched. It aims to cut building energy intensity through stronger performance standards, retrofits and efficient cooling and electrification.