Norway has ratified the international Paris Agreement on climate change. We are amongst the first States that formally join the Paris Agreement.
Norway’s instrument of ratification is deposited securely in the UN headquarters in New York.
– We are aiming for joint fulfilment with the EU in order to achieve Norway’s climate goals for 2030. This will provide us with solid, binding and predictable European legislation to rely on in achieving our goal of 40 percent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in 2030 compared with the 1990 level, says Vidar Helgesen, the Norwegian Minister of Climate and Environment.
Prevent climate change
The Paris Agreement strengthens global cooperation and States’ efforts in preventing dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. The agreement enters into force once at least 55 States – which together represent at least 55 percent of the total global greenhouse gas emissions – have deposited their instrument of ratification, acceptance or approval.
– Norway is pushing for other States to formally join the Paris Agreement as quickly as possible, in order for it to enter into force. An early entry into force will ensure that States can focus on implementing the agreement’s commitments, says Vidar Helgesen, the Norwegian Minister of Climate and Environment.
Large States will ratify later this year
The US, China and Brazil are amongst large emitters that are expected to ratify, accede or in other ways join the Paris Agreement this year. In addition, other States have also indicated that they will formally join the agreement. All together, these countries make up for a large part of the global greenhouse gas emissions.
– Despite being a small country, Norway is undertaking great efforts to reduce dangerous anthropogenic greenhouse gases. In particular, our efforts related to Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative, REDD+, receives a lot of attention internationally, says Vidar Helgesen.
The Paris Agreement
Adopted 12 December 2015. The objective is to hold the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 degrees Celsius and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
The agreement also aims to increase the ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and make finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate resilience.
The agreement enters into force once at least 55 countries – which together represent at least 55 percent of the total global greenhouse gas emissions – have formally joined the agreement.
As of 21 June 2016, there are 177 signatories to the Paris Agreement. Of these, 18 States have now also deposited their instrument of ratification, acceptance or approval, accounting for 0.18 percent of the total global greenhouse gas emissions.
