Introduction to the Foreign Press Association on Norway’s policy in the High North

The Minister’s introduction was based on the following talking points

[Slide blue map of the polar area]

Main challenges:

• Firstly, political change from Cold War to close regional cooperation. Transforming Russia – and transforming our relations with Russia.
• Secondly, energy potential as oil and gas fields are being developed offshore. 
• And thirdly, climate change. Greenland. 

The High North: most important strategic priority.

[Slide on ice melting] 

• The Arctic – a barometer for climate change. Severe consequences – ecosystems and livelihoods.
• South perspective: water shortages, hunger and coastal flooding.
• We need: a legal framework and sound policies.

[Slide Støre – Negroponte]

• We need US on board: ratification of the Law of the Sea Convention by all states.

[Slide Greenland meeting on boat]

• Meeting Greenland (27-29 May 2008), reaffirm circumpolar agreement on main norms and regulations for the Arctic.
• The Arctic Council (established 1996), sustainable development and environmental protection. 
• Norway chairmanship October 2006 (after Russia). Main priorities: 1) integrated resource management, 2) addressing climate change, and 3) a strengthened organisational structure.
• The Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (ACIA) process. 
• The Arctic Council project on the Arctic cryosphere. Retreat of sea ice, melting of the Greenland ice sheet and the reduction of permafrost and snow cover. 
• Input to the UN Climate Change Conference in 2009 and to the IPCC’s fifth assessment report, due in 2013.

[Slide petroleum resources in the Barents Sea]

• “High Stakes in the High North”. High energy prices, advanced offshore technologies and need for energy security. 
• Integrated Management Plan: eco-based management. Coexistence petroleum activities, fisheries and maritime transport. Large-scale research programmes.
• Peter Mandelson (conference in Oslo in 2007): Norway’s approach to energy and climate “sounds like a paradox, but is in fact a profound insight.” 
• A dilemma for Norway and for the world. 
• Two-pronged target: energy security and climate security.
• Industrialised countries – twin challenge of a) cutting emissions and b) assist developing countries to secure less carbon-intensive growth.
• World reliance on fossil fuels. Carbon capture and storage potential: reducing CO2 emissions by more than 80%. 
• Safety: CO2 stays in the reservoirs. New technology to capture and store CO2 from gas-fired power plants being developed. Can also be used in coal-fired power plants. Make technology commercially viable.

[Slide Støre – Lavrov]

• Norway and rapidly developing Russia. Energy, fisheries, commercial, academic and people-to-people relations.  
• Geography, geology and ecology: Russia important part of the solution.
• Barents Sea. Harvesting of fish stocks, exploration, production and technological developments in the petroleum sector, health, safety and environment (HSE) standards.
• Regular meetings – working to transform the border into a bridge.