Minister of the Environments speech in Montreal

First of all – congratulations! This is a historic occasion – the first Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol. This meeting has adopted most of the Marrakesh Accords. But the heat is on. We have other vital issues to discuss – and, most importantly – to decide upon: We must adopt the compliance regime here in Montreal.

The achievements so far mean only a small step towards the fulfillment of the Convention. We need a broad and ambitious post 2012 framework. The need to act is becoming ever more apparent:

Take a look at the Arctic: The temperature has risen at almost twice the rate of the rest of the world. This is dramatic for the people that live in the fragile Arctic environment. It is also dramatic for the whole world since Arctic warming pushes global warming. The Arctic dimension should be better reflected in the Convention process.

Climate change calls for solidarity, social justice and shared responsibilities. Norway and other industrialized countries have caused most of the climate change up to now. The developing countries continue to pay the highest price in terms of impacts. We have to take the lead in reducing emissions.

We must make constructive use of the Kyoto Protocol post 2012. Norway is ready to start negotiations on the second commitment period. We want to see more ambitious commitments. We stand ready to take our share. New commitments should be adopted by 2008. We must agree to a process for this here in Montreal.

However, Annex B Parties represent less than one third of global emissions, and the share is shrinking. Clearly the future needs broader participation. I expect all Convention Parties – especially all industrialised ones to be willing to engage in such a process. So far I have been disappointed.

Technology has to play an important role. Carbon capture and storage provides a promising opportunity. Geological storage needs clear monitoring and liability arrangements to ensure environmental integrity. Norway has almost ten years of experience in large scale storage of CO2 in the offshore Sleipner field. The Government aims to cooperate with industry to realize capture of carbon dioxide at gas fired power plants as soon as possible. We want to realize a carbon dioxide capture-facility in Norway by 2009.

Over the last 15 years, Norway has introduced policies and measures to reduce emissions in almost all sectors. We are using the tools at our disposal – taxes, regulations, emissions trading and agreements. Still we have not been able to stop emissions growth. So, we must strengthen our policies and measures to fulfill our Kyoto commitments. This is a top priority for the Government.

Mr. President,

The challenges of climate change are truly global. All countries, all economies, all people face an increased risk from the negative impacts. To limit temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius, the world has to cut emissions by more than half – in a matter of decades. A public Commission has been established to show us how Norway can turn into a low emission society by 2050, with greenhouse gas emission reductions between 50 and 80 per cent.

We will assume our responsibilities!

Thank you, Mr. President!