For the first time in history, the conference achieved its goal of reaching a universal agreement on methods of reducing climate change in the Pact (Paris Agreement) by all the nations of the world. The agreement becomes legally binding if ratified, adopted, approved or adhered to by at least 55 countries representing at least 55% of global greenhouse gas emissions. If, contrary to expectations, the EU does not increase its climate target under the Paris Agreement, most of our expanded target will be conditional on access to voluntary cooperation outside Europe, in accordance with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. In 2008, Norway set a similar goal of achieving CO2 neutrality by 2030, but then lowered the target to 2050, when international negotiations failed to reach a comprehensive agreement on combating climate change. – The EU is Norway`s closest partner in global climate policy. Norway and the EU have ratified the international Paris agreement on climate change and, like the EU, Norway has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. Extreme weather events are more frequent than before, sea levels are rising, and droughts and floods are more frequent. Air pollution alone claims 7 million lives a year. Climate change and environmental damage are destroying ecosystems that have negative effects on development, health and food production. Climate change is exacerbating humanitarian disasters, fuelling conflict and making some areas uninhabitable. It is essential that all countries help prevent further losses and damage from the effects of climate change.
This work can save lives and assets and reduce the need for humanitarian assistance in the event of a disaster. – Norway has been part of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) since 2008 through the EEA agreement. About half of Norway`s emissions are included in the ETS, making it a cornerstone of Norway`s climate policy. The Marshall Islands, Suriname and Norway have presented plans for tougher measures to combat climate change ahead of a five-year stage of the 2020 Paris Agreement, with nearly 200 others ignoring an informal deadline of 9 February. The Norwegian government has presented its new target of reducing emissions by at least 50% by 2030 as part of the UN Paris climate agreement. – Environmental cooperation is part of the EEA agreement and almost all EU environmental legislation is transposed into Norwegian legislation.