The climatic conditions of planet Earth have changed drastically throughout its history. As a result of these changes, Finland has experienced various kinds of different climates even after the last Ice Age.

The planet's average temperature has increased by approximately half a degree over the course of the last hundred years. The main causes behind this change have been in the actions of humans.

Earth's temperature is rising because of an accelerated greenhouse effect in the planet's atmosphere. The greenhouse effect is caused by various atmospheric gases, such as water vapor, carbon dioxide and methane. These gases, also known as greenhouse gases, let solar radiation penetrate the planet's atmosphere but prevent heat radiation from escaping it. These gases act like the glass walls of a greenhouse: they let light and heat in, but do not let heat escape out. 

The use of fossil fuels, such as oil and coal, has increased the amount of carbon dioxide in the planet's atmosphere since the 19th century. In addition, the methane produced by livestock has also increased in the atmosphere due to the rise of factory farming. As the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has increased, the greenhouse effect has begun to accellerate. This has caused more heat to be trapped inside the planet's atmosphere, and the average temperature of the planet has begun to increase.

The Finnish climate has been estimated to grow warmer by 2–3 degrees Celsius by the year 2050. This change will be visible particularly during the winter season. As a result of this change, winters will become warmer and less snowy, especially in the southern and western parts of the nation. As the Finnish summer temperatures grow warmer, the vegetation of our forests will also change. The amount of broadleaf trees will increase, and new plant and animal species will spread to Finland from the south.