Nordic countries are to be global role models

A declaration issued by the Nordic prime ministers states that the global increase in climate gas emissions must be halted no later than 2020. Research on climate solutions is part of the joint Nordic statements.

EGILSSTAÐIR. In a meeting in Iceland the Nordic prime ministers agreed on a declaration on how work towards an ambitious international climate agreement (Photo: VisitiIceland.com)

The Nordic countries plan to become a role model for others by limiting the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. The joint declaration dated June 16 states that research on climate change and reduction in CO2 emission will be prioritised in The Nordic countries. New energy solutions are part of the solution to this.

Systematical work
The Nordic countries have a strong profile on climate issues. By signing the joint declaration, the Nordic prime ministers commit to work systematically towards achieving an ambitious agreement at the United Nations climate conference in Copenhagen in December this year. 

Central objectives
The declaration agreed on in Egilsstaðir, Iceland, in June states the importance of all countries to contribute to the common target on halting global warming. The trend of increase in global climate gas emissions according to the Nordic prime ministers must be halted no later than 2020.

Below 2 degrees temperature rise
A lot of steps are needed to halt global warming. The Nordic ministers in their declaration point out the need for industrialised countries to make substantial emissions reductions in the medium term. Also action in developing countries must lay a clear foundation for the transition to a low-emissions society the ministers say. And national plans must be consistent with the long-term objective of a global temperature rise of no more than 2 degrees and a global reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of at least 50 per cent by 2050 according to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

Realistic reduction plans and funding
The negotiators at the 15th meeting of the parties within the UN Climate Convention must adopt an agreement that points the way to achieving ambitious aims in both the short and the long term. The Nordic prime ministers also state that the aims must be followed up by concrete initiatives and policies that that contribute to the transition to green economies and sustainable development. Support for the adaptation and reduction measures taken by developing countries has to be implemented credibly. Funding from affluent countries has to go to action that climate-proofs the poorest and most vulnerable countries and to measurable emissions reductions.

International carbon dioxide market
The Nordic countries agree on the principle of putting up an international carbon dioxide market. The prime ministers in their declaration welcome the establishment of a European carbon dioxide market, and state putting a price on carbon dioxide as being a vital step in realigning the economy and making the necessary emissions reductions. The European emissions trading system should be linked to corresponding systems in other parts of the world so as to create a global carbon dioxide market.

Solutions needed
The Nordic countries wish to take the lead in building low-emissions societies. New and ongoing projects are to show the world how the Nordic region has taken on the climate challenge through ambitious joint action. Investments will be made in research on climate solutions such as:

• energy efficiency
• wind power and other renewable energy sources
• Carbon capture and storage technology

 
The Nordic countries will be open to cross-border cooperation, also including developing countries, in order to enhance the applicability of research.

Green transport
The Nordic Prime Ministers state that they are are looking forward to making use of the potential for cooperation so as to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the transport sector by means of greater energy efficiency and new energy system solutions.

Further reading:
Nordic Prime Ministers' Declaration on Climate Change [Sweden.gov, pdf]

Nordic Countries to Focus on Eco-Friendly Solutions [Iceland Review]

Nordic Nations Need a Strong Voice in European Co-operation [Iceland.org]