“Many of the countries that are hardest hit by climate change are also the most poorly equipped to deal with the challenges. Some countries lack almost all of the systems and institutions needed to meet the challenges and crises related to climate change,” Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim said at the launch of the UN Human Development Report 2007/2008 (HDR).
The annual UN report is this year entitled "Fighting climate change: Human solidarity in a divided world", and focuses on the human dimension of the fight against climate change.
This picture was taken in Bangladesh. Photo: Scanpix.
- Rich countries must take responsibility
Developing countries are demanding that rich countries take particular responsibility for climate change. Poor countries cannot be refused participation in economic growth. If the populations of these countries are to gain higher living standards by environmentally friendly means, rich countries have to share technology and knowledge, and provide funds for fighting climate change. Changes to domestic policy will also be needed.
- A window for international cooperation
“We have wasted the last 10 years. Politicians have been much too passive in following up on the Rio Conference on Environment and Development. 2007 has been a year in which the whole world has woken up, and we now have a unique opportunity to take action. Never before has mankind’s ability to tackle the problems caused by climate change been greater than it is now. What is needed is political will,” said Mr Solheim.
“Developing countries are demanding that we who live in rich countries take particular responsibility for climate change,” said Mr Solheim. Photo: WFP/ John Wreford.
Norway’s climate targets
Norway has committed to ambitious climate targets for the coming decades. The Government plans to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 100% of Norway’s own emissions by 2050, and by 2020 cut global emissions of greenhouse gases by the equivalent of 30% of Norway’s emissions in 1990. In addition, Norway will exceed its Kyoto commitment by 10%. During the UN Climate Change Conference in Bali from 3 to 14 December 2007, Norway will challenge other developed countries to make the same commitments.
UN Human Development Index
The Human Development Report is known primarily for its Human Development Index, which ranks 177 countries according to income, educational level and life expectancy. Norway is a stable nation and scores consistently high in these rankings.
Ice melting on Svalbard. Photo: Scanpix.