State Secretary Varteressian’s opening remarks at the first meeting of the Steering Committee of the Global Flaring and Methane Reduction Partnership (GFMR)

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Ladies and Gentlemen,

The message from the latest UN climate panel report is clear: Global emissions continue to rise, with detrimental effects for populations all around the world.

[The Arctic region is particularly affected, warming four times faster than the global average.

Last week, in Bodø in the North of Norway, I met with indigenous youth from many of the Arctic states. They told me about the impact of climate change on their communities. Several highlighted that they were probably the last generation to learn how to catch fish on the banks of the river. Because today, due to the impact of climate change through invasive species, there either is either a moratorium on fishing – or no fish at all.

I could have chosen countless other examples. The point is:]

We need more powerful measures to cut emissions, and we need them faster.

Cutting methane emissions from the oil and gas sector has been identified as one of the most effective ways to reach net zero.

Norway is pleased to contribute to this fund. Public finance for developing countries is important, but not sufficient. The goal must also be to catalyse global investments to a low-emission and climate-resilient development. This is why I am very pleased that so much of the financing for this fund is coming from private companies.

Reducing methane emissions is a priority for Norway. It is key to the likelihood of crossing Arctic climate tipping points. That’s why, during our current chairship in the Arctic Council, Norway has highlighted black carbon and methane as an important focus area.

Several interventions to reduce methane emissions in the oil- and gas sector are cost effective. And yet, the sector is responsible for nearly a fifth of global methane emissions from human activity.

Norway has restricted flaring since oil production began in the early 1970s, and we are eager to leverage our expertise and experience to combat global emissions.

In Norway, the restriction of flaring was achieved through a combination of industry expertise, technological innovation and strong government policies. The results?  Reduced emissions and more effective resource utilization.

We have shared our experience with developing countries through the Oil for Development (OfD)-programme for several years. Now, the focus on emission reductions related to flaring and methane continues in the new renewable energy program Energy for Development (EfD). For example, through EfD, Norway will support Nigeria's work with reducing methane and flaring through EfD.

Friends,

Reducing methane emissions is possible! Doing so will have a profound impact on our shared climate and the climate of future generations.

It is my hope and firm belief that this fund will accelerate global efforts to reduce global methane emissions - bringing us closer to reaching our shared climate goals.

We are looking forward to working with the fund and all of you here today to leverage our collective knowledge and efforts. With this goal in sight: addressing methane emissions on an even bigger scale.

Thank you.