COP29 Must Be a Turning Point

Opinion in Altinget by Karen Ellemann, Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers.

The Nordic countries are working to lead by example, taking on the global challenges shared by every nation. Our ecological footprint remains high, but we are committed to reducing it. Not only to lessen the strain on Earth’s resources but also to show that sustainable, prosperous societies are achievable. Prosperity should mean more than mere economic growth; it should reflect environmental health and social equity as central measures of success. 

With each COP, youth voices grow louder, demanding accelerated action on climate. They are right to hold world leaders accountable. For today’s youth, my message is clear: don’t give up on demanding the future you deserve. The parties at COP29 must heed their call by creating the conditions for high ambition across all pillars of climate action. For this to happen trust between Parties is essential. 

The latest UN Environment Programme report underscores the urgent need for political determination, warning that while the 1.5°C target is still within reach, we’re edging closer to surpassing it. Even if this threshold is crossed, we must continue to strive for a minimal overshoot and return to a 1.5-degree world as soon as possible. A clean, healthy environment is not just an aspiration; it’s a human right. 

At COP29, we have a chance to show that cooperation, and vision can drive the global green transition. Together, we can build a future that is prosperous, sustainable, and just and the Nordic region is committed to showing it can be done.  COP29 must be the milestone where the world finally turns ambitious climate goals into tangible action.