Nordic bridge builders in climate negotiations

Temperature increases of around four degrees are expected this century if current trends in emissions continue. This in turn poses a considerable risk to the global climate, with a dramatic and extensive impact on unique and threatened ecosystems, the extinction of many species, and serious consequences for food security. 

Following COP20 in Lima last December, leader of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee Christina Gestrin, has expressed concern about progress in global climate change negotiations. 

“This is the last generation of politicians able to solve the climate crisis before it reaches a scale that is difficult if not impossible to control, and which will result in dire consequences for global living standards and security,” Gerstin told the Council’s January meetings on Åland.
 

Building bridges with Africa

The gap between developed and developing nations in climate change negotiations was discussed during the climate debate at this week’s Council meetings on Åland. Gestrin believes that the Nordic countries can make a significant contribution by building bridges with developing nations. 

“Thanks to their sizeable aid contributions, the Nordic countries have established good relationships with many African nations. We must use this position of strength to boost trust between developed and developing countries in climate change negotiations. Trust is a prerequisite for the conclusion of any agreement at COP21 in Paris,” says Steen Gade, a member of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee.

The Nordic Council has made a plea to the Nordic governments to join forces in order to build trust between developed and developing countries in climate change negotiations. The Council also believes that the Nordic countries should work to make Nordic experiences of the region’s successful co-operation in the areas of climate and energy more visible at COP21 in Paris.