The only tool that Norwegian climate negotiators have as a reference and which the Norwegian Parliament (Storting) has had a hand in preparing, is the Multi Party Climate Compromise, agreed upon by 6 out of 7 political parties in the Storting. Except for indicating what Norway itself will do in the years to come, there is a negligible amount about what positions Norway is to take in the international climate negotiations.
For instance, the Norwegian negotiators are bound to the target of a 30% reduction by 2020, however they are free to suggest whatever they want as to how much Norway will contribute to climate measures in poor countries. Should this last question not also have been discussed in the Storting?
Even if a framework agreement should be established in Copenhagen, the negotiations regarding its details will be going on for many years ahead. Therefore, support for Norway’s negotiating position by a broader group of parties than those represented in government at any one time, would be favourable for the Norwegian negotiators.
Not least we do need a wide and democratic debate on these positions. Is it ok that Norway goes for a 30% reduction by 2020 when the result is that it leaves less than 50% chance of achieving the two-degrees objective? In the EU, the distribution of burden between different countries is a hot topic for discussion. Norway has not yet had a debate and taken a position regarding this issue. The EU calculates that in 2020, more than 100 billion Euros annually will be needed to achieve the sufficient emission reductions and to ensure that poor countries get the possibility to adapt to climate change. Norway has not taken a stance in this matter either.
The Norwegian Church Aid welcomes an additional paper to the existing compromise climate agreement that intensifies and thoroughly examines the Norwegian positions before the Copenhagen Climate Conference in December. In this way, we hope this issue will be included and prioritised in the negotiations on a new governmental platform after the parliamentary elections. It’s urgent!
- Article author: Political Adviser on Climate Change, Harald Nyeggen Sommer,