Disappointed that US to withdraw from Paris Agreement

The Paris Agreement was adopted in Paris on 12 December 2015. Some 150 countries are currently parties to the Agreement, and more countries are expected to join in the time ahead. 

‘We will discuss with other countries and the EU how we can work together to reach the goals of the Paris Agreement,’ Ms Solberg said.

Prime Minister Solberg emphasised the fact that technological advances are already helping to reduce emissions. 

‘The transition to renewable energy and low-emission technology is already well under way, motivated both by environmental considerations and by the economic potential of investments in these areas,’ Ms Solberg said. 

‘The Paris Agreement will provide the basis for international cooperation on climate change for the foreseeable future. It brings together both rich and poor countries around the common goal of fighting man-made climate change. Now that the US is withdrawing from the international climate cooperation, it is even more important for the rest of the world to step up our joint efforts to implement the Paris Agreement effectively,’ said Minister of Climate and Environment Vidar Helgesen.

Mr Helgesen is travelling to the US next week for talks with the US administration. Climate change as a threat to global security is an area of concern to both the US and Norway.

Although the US will no longer be a party to the Agreement, it will probably be a long time before today’s decision affects the US’s own emissions. The US energy sector will continue its transition away from coal. The renewable energy sector is now experiencing considerable growth in many US states.   

‘Influential forces in the US business sector wanted the US to remain in the Agreement, as did a number of members of the US Congress,’ Mr Helgesen said.

China and other countries are now positioning themselves to take on a clearer leadership role on climate change.  

‘It is now crucial to reassure developing countries that need support in order to achieve their targets and plans under the Paris Agreement. We must make it clear that this support will still be available, even without the participation of the US. Norway will play its part,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende.