Symposium of Parliamentarians from the Benelux Parliament, the Nordic Council and the Baltic Assembly, Brussels, 27. April 2001

Dear Colleagues,

Thank you for inviting me to this parliamentarian symposium on the highly important topic of climate change. The problem of climate change is steadily moving up on the scientific and political agenda, both nationally and internationally.

It is important that Parliaments take an active role as driving forces in the ongoing processes. To bring forward the climate policies it is vital to cooperate across the borders. We all have an international responsibility to create a common framework to meet the challenges related to climate changes.

Sustainable development is one of the corner stones in the Nordic energy policy. Energy and energy related issues are very closely linked to environment, economy and social welfare. A sustainable energy system must be created in accordance with the conditions set by nature. In a Nordic context a big portion of our energy production comes from renewable energy sources. This puts us in a very favourable position.

In addition we see the cooperation between authorities and commercial parties to be a driving force in the Nordic energy cooperation. However, we see a potential for even further cooperation – and for further development – and an extension towards Europe.

It is important that the Nordic countries work together to make sure we see the energy policies through the same glasses. This will be a critical condition for implementing effective climate policies – which are vital for sustainable energy policies.

This is the reason why energy issues and environmental issues must be prioritised in the future cooperation between the Nordic countries and internationally.

The Nordic countries have recently agreed on a Nordic Sustainable Development Strategy where climate change has been identified as the most important global challenge of this century.

In the targets and measures for 2001, the Nordic countries have agreed to work in favour of having the Kyoto Protocol ratified as soon as possible. For this to be achieved, it is important to reach agreement on the Kyoto mechanisms, sinks and other outstanding questions in the Kyoto Protocol.

Furthermore, the Nordic countries intend to develop the Baltic Sea Region as a testing ground for application of the Kyoto Mechanisms. A Nordic investment fund for climate-related projects could support such efforts. A competence network for Kyoto Mechanisms in the Baltic Sea Region would be capable of serving as a development forum.

To obtain more experience with quotas, and in light of EU activities to establish a European quota market, the Nordic countries intend to examine the possibilities of establishing a quota market as soon as possible based on the quota systems that are expected to be set up nationally. If it becomes possible to establish the quota market at an early date, this might provide valuable experience prior to the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol in 2008-12. The Nordic countries will lead the way when it comes to reducing the use of industrial greenhouse gases, so that consumption can be phased out as soon as possible and in order to promote the technical requirements to meet such phasing out.

The Nordic countries intend to continue their co-operation to create a scientific basis for clarifying the impact of land-use and forestry on greenhouse-gas figures. Importance will be attached to sustainable forestry and forestry initiatives with a beneficial impact on the environment. The Nordic countries also intend to examine opportunities for improved co-operation on climate research.

I would also like to use this occasion to make some comments on the present international situation. Norway is convinced that international co-operation is crucial to effectively reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and combat climate change. This is why the recent signals from the new US Administration on its opposition to the Kyoto Protocol have given us deep concern.

Norway, the EU, and most other Parties to the Climate Convention have raised concerns about these signals from the US Administration. Last week, the Norwegian Minister of Environment, Ms Siri Bjerke, restated the views of the Norwegian Government in ministerial consultations on climate change held in New York, as well as in meetings with representatives of the US Administration. It is Norway’s view that the Kyoto Protocol is the legal basis we have to carry forward to implement the objectives of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Protocol is an innovative instrument even if it is not perfect. In the long-term, we realise that commitments will need to be considerably strengthened and participation will need to have a broader base. However, the Protocol is an important first step, and a basis upon which such future agreements will be built. Similar views were expressed by several EU-ministers.

The global community is presently engaged in the process of creating the conditions for ratification and entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol. We are strongly committed to this process. Since the signing of the Protocol in 1997, we have made slow, but significant progress on the rules and guidelines for how to implement the provisions of the Protocol. This includes the rules and guidelines for the market-based mechanisms, such as international emissions trading, which will enable countries to meet their commitments in the most cost-effective and flexible manner. We have therefore urged the US Administration to reconsider its opposition to the Protocol and to continue participating in our ongoing work on rules and guidelines that will make it possible for Parties to ratify the Protocol. A Kyoto Protocol without US participation will raise serious questions about the effectiveness of the Protocol in mitigating greenhouse gases.

All Parties have a responsibility to contribute to furthering progress in the negotiations. To succeed, it is of utmost importance to concentrate on our common goals. We all have our national interests. But in the next phase of this process we must put aside homebound agendas and focus on consensus.

It is also important not to loose focus of the national climate policy. Parties should speed up work on their national climate policies and measures to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases.

In Norway, the government is currently working on a White Paper describing policies and measures in reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases. Norway has been a pioneer in exploring and applying response measures domestically. One example is the CO ₂ tax, which we introduced in 1991. Norway is in fact one of the few countries that have introduced CO ₂ taxes, and the overall tax level on fossil fuels is considerably higher than in most other countries. The White Paper will describe new and enhanced instruments that will be needed to meet our commitment under the Kyoto Protocol, including a national system of tradable quotas for greenhouse gases.

As mentioned, the Nordic countries in the Nordic Sustainable Development Strategy have identified climate change as the most important global challenge of this century. This is a challenge for all countries, citizens and stakeholders both in the private and public sectors. In the Nordic strategy we have the elements of a common platform for action involving the neighbouring countries as well. We are pleased to note that the proposal for an EU strategy on Sustainable development which will be discussed at the forthcoming EU summit in Gothenburg has the same priorities.

On behalf of the Norwegian Government and our Nordic colleagues I would like to underline that we already work hard on these important issues of climate change.

For example three different task forces are now active. A Climate Group is focusing on the questions related to trading of CO2 quotas between the Nordic countries. This is part of the work related to creating a testing ground for the Baltic Sea Region.

The Indicator Group and the Electricity Group are evaluating the possibilities for a Nordic environmental account system. They also evaluate the possibilities for integrating environmental costs into the production costs.

The result of the work in these three groups will be presented to the Nordic Council in a meeting in September this year.

Climate change is a long-term challenge, but action is urgent - early movers could gain much in saved costs. Measures against climate change will entail costs, but also opportunities. We have to have a strengthened strategy for our policies. Parliaments should play an active role, both nationally and internationally.

I wish you good luck in your discussions and look forward with interest to the results of this symposium.