Nordic climate ministers sign declaration on COP28

The Nordic ministers signed the declaration ahead of what has been dubbed the most crucial set of climate negotiations since the Paris Agreement and at a time when human-made climate change is helping lead to climate extremes in every region all over the planet. Up-to-date research also shows that temperatures in the Arctic Region have risen four times faster than in the rest of the world over the past 30 years, with dramatic consequences such as the permafrost thawing and ice caps shrinking.  

The Icelandic Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers took the initiative for a joint Nordic declaration on COP28, and the content was discussed at the latest meeting of the environment and climate ministers in Oslo on 1 November.  

“The Nordic countries speak with one voice ahead of the climate negotiations, which sends an important signal to the outside world: We all see changes outside our front door, and we have a clear responsibility towards future generations. There is an urgent need for stepping up and make sure that we must at least live up to the Paris Agreement. It is up to us to make the decisions that can ensure a fair green transition on a global scale and we must pick up the pace,” says Iceland’s Minister of the Environment, Energy and Climate, Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson.

At COP28, the countries of the world will take stock for the first time of global efforts to achieve the Paris Agreement goals. Called ’the global stocktake’, it will also serve as the basis for drawing up Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for the period up to 2035. 

The Nordic countries have completed the “Nordic Stocktake – Pathways to Climate Neutrality” project, which takes stock of the Nordic Region’s joint journey towards becoming a climate-neutral region. The project lists specific instructions on where to take action to fulfil the climate-neutral ambitions. The ministers endorse those ideas in the declaration. 

“Clean energy transition plays a vital role if we are to reach our climate goals and keep 1.5 degrees within reach. And we have the tools and resources to ensure that the transition also creates a society that is at least as attractive as the one we have today,” the minister adds.