As delivered

Mr. Chairman, Excellencies,

The fact that we are at this COP proves to me that the Paris Agreement is working. Global energy transition is picking up speed.

Yet, we are rapidly approaching 1.5 degrees global warming. Our task is to limit how far and how long warming can be allowed to proceed.

Fortunately, we have the tools to rapidly bring down emissions.

Renewable energy and technical solutions for decarbonizing transport and industry – some of these are outperforming projections made before the Paris Agreement.

My point is this: Industrial changes are both needed and possible – and absolutely crucial – as we experience with carbon capture and storage in the North Sea, and the ongoing projects on producing CO2-free aluminium, iron and steel in Scandinavia.

We can bring the world on track. And Norway will do its part.

We will cut emissions by 70-75 % by 2035.

We will become a low-carbon society in 2050.

We have established timelines for phasing out fossil fuels.

Now, COP 31 must accelerate the energy transition;

  • By increasing electrification,
  • By scaling up and improving access to renewable energy,
  • By facilitating investments in grids and solutions for storage,
  • And by strengthening energy security.

Ensuring an inclusive transition is also critical.

Norway will continue to invest in renewable energy in developing countries – through the multilateral development banks, through grants and investments, and through Article 6 partnerships.

Norway is a steadfast supporter of rainforest protection.

Last year, my country pledged, with certain conditions, to invest in the Tropical Forest Forever Facility. And I encourage others to follow suit.

Furthermore, Mr. Chairman, ocean-based solutions offer vast potential. Norway has the world’s second longest coastline in the world, so we know much about this.

Sustainable ocean management generates co-benefits for food security and economic development.

COP 31 should move the ocean to the centre of climate action and implementation.

We need progress towards the global finance target.

Norway has delivered on the promise to double our climate finance.

We will continue our support for climate action in developing countries.

And we have proposed a new climate finance ambition for Norway of 3,2 billion USD annually by 2035.

I am also pleased to announce that Norway, Canada and the UK are launching a partnership with a shared ambition of “10 by 30”; that is 10 billion USD in climate finance by 2030, including mobilised private capital.

So – excellencies and friends,

Science should continue to enlighten us and provide the answers we need for policy decisions.

At this critical hour, we must unite behind science and the IPCC – so that we can make well-founded choices in response to the most defining challenges of our time. Thank you.