Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Finland's Trade Minister Ville Tavio shook hands on a groundbreaking Letter of Intent to mutually promote climate cooperation and economic growth, marking a significant union between the City of Angels and the Nordic nation. This historic and strategic alliance aims to accelerate LA's clean energy transformation, with the city already aiming for 100% clean energy by 2035, a bold leap indeed. Photos of the event and the press conference can be seen here.

"The City of Los Angeles is grateful for our partnership with Finland as we continue to explore innovative ways to confront the climate crisis and strengthen business, investment, and green jobs in our region," Mayor Bass declared, according to the announcement. The deal follows more than two years of collective efforts to tackle carbon neutrality and cleantech initiatives. Finland, not to be left out, brings to the table its prowess in digital tech, smart mobility, and clean energy solutions, elements that are poised to complement LA's advances in these critical fields.

Among the highlights of their newly minted agreement are collaborations on smart and green port initiatives, sustainable mobility and transit, decarbonizing the built environment, and bolstering renewable energy infrastructure that also focuses on grid resiliency. This cooperative engagement intends to be a model for international partnerships, shared learning, and dual benefit. Los Angeles, under Mayor Bass's leadership, has recently shown its environmental commitment by capturing a remarkable 5 billion more gallons of stormwater this February compared to last and by securing federal support to increase composting and reduce food waste.

Later today, in line with these environmental advancements, Mayor Bass is slated to showcase significant EPA investments at the Port of Los Angeles alongside EPA Administrator Michael Regan. Their joint appearance is expected to underline joint commitments to face down climate challenges whilst driving economic investment, a balancing act indeed of high stakes, according to the press release.

Both Los Angeles and Finland have set ambitious targets for themselves, with LA looking to reach carbon neutrality perhaps even before 2050 and Finland aiming for the same by 2035. The newly inked Letter of Intent details a five-year plan for collaboration that can be renewed and expanded upon by mutual agreement. It encourages direct contacts, partnerships, and dialogues across ecosystems, industries, and academic sectors to foster innovative solutions while emphasizing that the LOI itself is non-binding and voluntary for both parties involved.