Nordic statement COP 24

We, the Nordic Ministers for Climate and the Environment from Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Åland welcome with appreciation the IPCC Special Report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5°C. and note with grave concern the findings of the report.  

Together, we must step up our efforts to ensure that global warming stays below 1.5 degrees. COP 24 must send a strong political message - that we all stand ready to act on what science tells us and will raise ambition in line with the Paris Agreement’s goals.

The Talanoa Dialogue and its impressive display of global response to climate change, from governments, businesses, civil society and local communities, shows that low emission societies must be built on a broad coalition between all sectors and actors in society.

Dialogue and partnership with the business community is a key to success. Leaders of nine large Nordic companies and Nordic ministers met this year in a Talanoa Dialogue. We received input from thirty-eight of the larger Nordic export-oriented companies. The key message was that ambitious national goals, coupled with predictable, ambitious and stable policy frameworks will speed up the transition towards a low carbon economy and enhancing innovation.

Turning the investment flows towards sustainable and renewable solutions is crucial. In 2019, Nordic environment and climate ministers will invite ministers of finance, as well as other relevant partners and stakeholder from the finance sector, to a dialogue on greening the capital markets.

The Nordic experience shows that economic growth and development does not necessary entail rising emissions. The transition to low emission societies creates competitive jobs and spurs investments and innovation.

We in the Nordic countries have all adopted policies or instruments to implement our NDCs. We have set ambitious emission reduction targets for 2030 and are setting visions for 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement. Many of us have goals of carbon-neutrality, and climate legislative acts to lead current as well as future governments in our transition to sustainable low-emission societies.

Together, we stand stronger when tackling climate change. In addition to our national climate efforts, we will continue to pool resources to combat climate change through joint Nordic initiatives, within and outside the Nordic region.

We stand united in solidarity with the countries that are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. We will continue to support and encourage their efforts to enhance adaptive capacity, strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerability.

Here in Katowice, we must agree on common, robust and effective rules to govern the implementation of the Paris Agreement. We are all determined to work for an ambitious result, where no issue is left behind. Let us spare no efforts in working towards a successful outcome, and let us stand united to make COP 24 a success.