Programme For Nordic Co Operation On The Environment And Climate 2019 2024

For many years, the Nordic countries have worked together successfully on the environment and climate, which has contributed to significant progress both in the Nordic Region and internationally. However, in recent years, the challenges we face have grown in size and quantity, making co-operation increasingly important. Between 2019 and 2024, the Nordic countries will work together to bring about sustainable development in the Nordic Region, the EU, and internationally. Together, the countries will pursue the ambitious implementation of international agreements on the environment and climate – in particular the Paris Agreement – and work together to strengthen the EU’s regulatory framework regarding the environment and climate. The Nordic countries will continue to be front-runners in terms of bringing about change. Nordic co-operation on the environment and climate seeks to halt the loss of biodiversity and bring about the sustainable use of natural resources. Together, we will work to accelerate the transition to a circular economy that limits our consumption and production to the capacity of nature. Other important areas of co-operation include efforts to minimise the risks posed by chemicals and hazardous substances, and stop the discharge. Compared with previous programme periods, there is a stronger emphasis on co-operation on sustainable cities, climate adaptation, and green financing.

Available online: https://pub.norden.org/politiknord2022-724/ In 2019, the Nordic prime ministers adopted a vision for the Nordic Region to be the most sustainable and integrated region in the world by the year 2030. The Nordic Council of Ministers was tasked with steering Nordic co-operation towards delivering this vision. The Nordic Council of Ministers is following a special action plan in its efforts relating to the vision for the period 2021 to 2024. Now, after almost two years, a mid-point evaluation has been produced. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine during the period, the Nordic Council of Ministers has delivered concrete results and made an impact. The activities of the Nordic Council of Ministers are being steered towards supporting the Nordic countries as well as possible in their realisation of the vision. Efforts relating to the green transition have been bolstered by way of DKK 120 million in additional funding thanks to a budget redistribution in the period 2021 to 2024. The mid-point evaluation was approved by the Ministers for Nordic Co-operation in September 2022.

Available online: https://pub.norden.org/politiknord2021-731/ The Nordic energy ministers present a new Nordic energy policy co-operation programme for the period 2022–2024. The Nordic Region wants to be the most sustainable and integrated region in the world by 2030, and that is also the overall vision for co-operation on energy. A green transition of the Nordic societies will not be possible without a substantial green energy transition. As the Nordic energy systems are closely linked, working together on joint initiatives will lead to a green transition that is more cost-effective and socially sustainable than if the countries were each to achieve the goals individually. In 2020, the Nordic Council of Ministers for Energy Policy (MR-E) adopted seven focus areas as input into the action plan for Our Vision 2030. These will structure Nordic energy co-operation during the period covered by the programme and be at the heart of all of the work: - The green transition of the energy sector - Closer collaboration on research to aid the green transition - Nordic co-operation in the electricity market - Energy efficiency, technology and behavioural change - Working together on EU/EEA-related energy questions - Social acceptance of new energy plants and the green transition - The green transition of the transport sector.

The Nordic countries have been working together for several decades to protect nature and the environment. This report presents the recommendations that have emerged from an external strategic review of the potential for official Nordic co-operation on the environment and climate under the auspices of the Nordic Council of Ministers for the Environment and Climate. The recommendations relate to the following five main areas: specific solutions for a green transition, mobilising key players, funding green transition, international co-operation, and adaptation to climate change. This report is part of a series of strategic and prospective studies commissioned by the Nordic Council of Ministers. Previous strategic reviews have dealt with working life, health and energy. The strategic reviews are part of the Nordic Council of Ministers’ reform programme.

Online publication: https://pub.norden.org/temanord2020-518/ Abstract [en] The Nordic Working Group for Climate and Air (NKL) organised 19-20 November 2019 a workshop with the objective to outline its future directions and priorities within the field of air pollution. The new Programme for Nordic co-operation on the Environment and Climate 2019-2024 formed the basis for the discussions at the workshop. A conclusion from the workshop is that Nordic collaboration still is important for the development of common air pollution strategies both for direct collaboration between the countries and for taking common initiatives within international fora such as the Air Convention and the EU. The workshop report includes a list of project ideas to be considered by NKL. Health effects and role of air pollution in fulfilling the SDGs were given priority.

The 2030 Agenda, adopted by the UN General Assembly in September 2015, outlines an ambitious and universal plan of action for people, planet and prosperity as it seeks to strengthen universal peace and freedom. This report presents national and Nordic action on Agenda 2030 with the aim to inform and support the Nordic Council of Ministers in formulating a new Nordic Sustainable Development Programme. All Nordic countries are engaged and strongly committed to implementing Agenda 2030 and there is a broad societal interest in joint Nordic action. The existing Nordic Strategy for Sustainable Development and several other key initiatives within Nordic cooperation already contribute to the goals of Agenda 2030. A new Nordic Sustainable Development Programme can build upon a strong foundation and add further value to the national and international work done by the Nordic countries.

Online publication: https://pub.norden.org/nord2020-035/ Abstract [en] Almost 5,000 Nordic citizens have answered a wide range of questions relating to Nordic co-operation, climate change and democratic engagement. The results show that Nordic citizens are concerned about the trends and believe that climate change and the environment is the most important area of co-operation for the Nordic region. There is also a lot of variation in what citizens think the best measures are and in the extent to which they believe that politicians can solve the climate crisis. The report highlights both challenges and opportunities for the Nordic democracies in their work for the climate and environment of the future

Available online: https://pub.norden.org/temanord2022-563/ An increasing number of non-state actors are taking steps towards and beyond carbon neutrality and making claims about their contribution to global climate action. The voluntary use of carbon credits is one way to support more, earlier and faster climate action than what would be possible with own emission reductions alone, if high environmental and social integrity is ensured. The Nordic Dialogue on Voluntary Compensation brought together Nordic stakeholders to co-create guidance for the robust voluntary use of carbon credits in line with the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Agenda. This report summarises Nordic perspectives on best practice for the voluntary use of carbon credits and related claims, and recommendations for further Nordic cooperation in this field.