I have never had a reason to visit chilly Finland, but an invite to speak at their annual Energy Week Conference has given me a newfound appreciation for one of the newest members of the NATO alliance. Here is my impression of the country.
Let’s start with the Bear in the Room—the massive border they share with Russia—about 830 miles, the distance between Atlanta and New York City. This reality looms large in the life of Finns, especially if you live in the eastern part of the country. Remember those bomb shelters the US had during the Cold War. Finland still maintains them. One such massive shelter in Helsinki would house 6000 people—with toilets, decontamination, ventilation. Others are smaller, but with 50,500 of them they can house about 80 percent of their population in them. Couple that with mandatory service in the military starting at 18, and you quickly realize why this country wanted to join NATO—where member countries pledge to support each other if attacked.
Finns, as they are called, are trusting people. And why not. They live in a country with low crime, where people do the right thing, and institutions are respected. They are not pretentious—instead very approachable and engaging. Maybe the mandatory military service builds within them more respect, honor and patriotism. I am not sure. Maybe the rugged lifestyle or entrepreneurial spirit that seems to permeate the country contributes to their humility. No matter, I like it and I think you would too.
Finally, I like their common sense. Several Finns have mentioned this to me, and it is evident in the policies they create. For example, Germany, their rich and influential neighbor to the south, closed all of their nuclear plants after the Fukushima accident. Many countries have followed Germany’s lead, but not Finland. Instead, they built Europe’s largest reactor, accounting for 14 percent of the country’s energy. They are very focused on a circular economy—which by definition utilizes waste streams and create additional value chains. Their forestry business is robust, and like Georgia, they replant their trees after they harvest them. We all remember the Viking lessons in school, and Finns are experts when it comes to marine industries including boat and engine manufacturing.
I came here to speak on behalf of my state at the Energy Week Conference, but I left with so much more. I hope to see more cooperation between the US and Finland as we stand together against the enemies of western civilization.
