Focus on forest conservation and oceans at Climate Action Summit

The land use and forestry sector can provide up to one-third of the emissions reductions needed by 2030, and at least two-thirds of land-based natural resources are found in forests. The oceans will also play a key role in many climate solutions.

'We will not be able to achieve our climate targets if we do not adequately protect our nature. The world needs to work together to stop deforestation of the rainforest and to promote sustainable ocean management for the future', said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Global momentum for rainforest protection 

Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative is its cornerstone contribution to mitigating climate change and protect nature. The focus on protecting forests is more relevant now than ever before. Brazil has reduced deforestation in the Amazon by 50 % since President Lula took office at the beginning of 2023. Colombia has the lowest deforestation in a decade and Indonesia has the lowest deforestation in 20 years, with more than a 90 % reduction during President Widodo’s period of leadership.

'I commend our partner countries on the results they have achieved. We are seeing unprecedented political leadership to protect the world’s forests. I look forward to working closely with Brazil and other countries leading up to the Climate Change Conference in 2025 and beyond', said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

A number of the world's largest commodity companies are now pledging to halt deforestation. Under the Lowering Emissions by Accelerating Forest finance (LEAF) Coalition launched by Norway, the US and the UK in 2021, 25 of the world's major corporations have committed to achieving reductions in deforestation emissions. The first agreements with Ghana and Costa Rica are being announced at COP28. Norway will provide continued support to the International Climate and Forest Initiative at a high level in the years leading to 2030.

'We must leave no stone unturned in our efforts to mobilise even more companies to provide compensation to developing countries to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. Today’s funding is nowhere near enough if we want to achieve the global targets for climate action', said Mr Støre.

Technological cooperation is also an essential part of forest conservation efforts. Mr Støre announced that Norway, together with the Bezos Earth Fund, is ready to launch the next phase of the satellite programme to provide free access across the world to high-resolution images of all tropical forests each month. The satellite programme is widely used by forest countries, private companies, indigenous peoples, researchers and journalists.

Sustainable ocean management                                        

The High-level Panel for Sustainable Ocean Economy, co-chaired by Norway and Palau, has helped to focus greater attention on ocean-based climate solutions. Reports from the Ocean Panel indicate that ocean-based solutions can provide up to 35 % of the cuts in emissions needed to limit global warming to 1.5°C by 2050. Sustainable ocean plans are an effective means of implementing climate measures that safeguard a variety of interests in ocean areas.

'The Ocean Panel countries and I encourage all coastal states to join the Ocean Panel’s declaration to promote sustainable use of the world’s oceans', said Mr Støre.

The Panel member countries have committed to sustainably manage 100 % of the ocean area under their national jurisdiction, in line with sustainable ocean plans, by 2025. The goal is for all countries and coastal states to follow the same path by 2030. During the COP28 event, a number of Pacific states presented an ambitious joint project for sustainable ocean management.