Ministers for climate and environment meet during COP29
Sveriges klimat- och miljöminister Romina Pourmokhtari.
The ministers stressed the value of a clear and united Nordic voice in international negotiations. In recent years, the Nordic countries have worked actively to secure a legally binding global agreement on plastic waste, and there is consensus across the region that every effort must be made to conclude an agreement that includes microplastics, when the negotiation parties meet in Busan, South Korea, in just a few weeks.
For the ongoing negotiations at COP29 in Baku, the ministers agreed on the importance of maintaining momentum ahead of COP30 in 2025, including encouraging the negotiation parties to put forward ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) that adhere to the Paris Agreement and deliver on the 1.5-degree target. The Nordic Council of Ministers is present in Baku with a pavilion showcasing Nordic solutions to global climate challenges.
We can present effective solutions that demonstrate how the transition is strengthening competitiveness, thereby also contributing to growth and prosperity.
Sweden’s Minister for Climate and the Environment Romina Pourmokhtari: “Collectively, the Nordic countries are a strong and important voice in international climate and environmental negotiations. We can present effective solutions that demonstrate how the transition is strengthening competitiveness, thereby also contributing to growth and prosperity. Our region can inspire other countries by acting as a role model.”
Waste crime and EU chemical legislation
At the meeting, a new report on waste crime was presented, generating significant interest. The ministers also discussed the potential for Nordic co-operation in connection with the ongoing review of the EU REACH regulation. There was broad consensus that the Nordic countries can and must jointly influence EU chemical legislation.
Linking the three planetary crises in Nordic co-operation
In early autumn, the ministers’ new co-operation programme for 2025 to 2030 was adopted. Going forwards, all efforts within Nordic co-operation on the climate and environment will be linked to the three planetary crises.
Sweden’s Minister for Climate and the Environment Romina Pourmokhtari: “As chair of the process, I’m very pleased that climate, biodiversity, pollution, and the circular economy will be central to Nordic co-operation on the climate and environment over the next six years.”
The report “Supervision to combat waste crime”, presented to the ministers, is set to be published by the end of the year.
