Towards COP24 and beyond

Check against delivery

I would like to start by thanking you, Secretary-General, for hosting this dialogue and inviting us to share our views on national and international climate efforts.

Climate change is moving faster than our efforts to address it. We are doing too little, and our progress is too slow.

At present, the trend is in the wrong direction.

The human suffering and financial losses caused by extreme weather events this year alone are evidence of this.

The impacts of climate change are already putting pressure on the economic, social, and political systems of many countries. Furthermore, climate change is posing a threat to international security and stability.

We need strong leadership. And we need clear implementing guidelines for the Paris Agreement.

It is also important that we show leadership on concrete implementation, and – for many of us here – that we give support to countries that need it.

The world needs to see that we are now striving to move beyond what we achieved in Paris.

The Talanoa Dialogue for climate ambition, led by Fiji, should give a clear signal to all that we are ready to step up our efforts.

Norway has made a commitment to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 % by 2030. This target is a step on the way towards becoming a low emission society by 2050.

Secretary-General, your Climate Summit next year will play a key role in our efforts to implement, and move beyond, the Paris Agreement.

Increased climate finance is also vital for the implementation of the Paris Agreement. Norway will continue to do its share, through the Green Climate Fund and other channels. We will maintain our focus on renewable energy and reduced emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.

If we protect and restore forests, produce food more sustainably, and improve land use, we can deliver one third of the reductions in emissions that are needed by 2030. Norway would like to see these areas receive far more attention and funding.

Secretary-General, Norway will do its utmost to push for a successful outcome from Katowice (COP 24).

We fully support your strong engagement on the climate agenda, and the work to increase global ambitions regarding climate action. 

Thank you.