Instead, Norway’s delegation will be led by acting climate and environment minister Tore O. Sandvik, state secretary Kristoffer Thoner (Ap) tells newspaper.
Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide (Ap) and Development Minister Anne Beathe Tvinnereim (Sp) will also be present at the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan’s capital Baku.
– Norway is this year in the G20, and the G20 summit in Rio takes place immediately after the climate summit in Baku. The government will be well represented at the climate summit with the climate and environment minister, the foreign minister and the development minister. The Minister for Climate and Environment will have a leading role in the work on emission reductions during the COP, says Thoner.
Earlier on Wednesday, the government announced that Norway will join and lead negotiations on emission reductions in Baku.
– We live in troubled times, but the climate crisis is not taking a break, Sandvik said in a press release.
Until now, Støre has attended all of the UN’s major climate summits after he took over as prime minister. He was present at COP 26 in Glasgow, COP 27 i Egypt and COP 28 i The United Arab Emirates.
When the proposal for the national budget was presented on Monday, it was confirmed that the government not on track to reach its goal of cutting emissions by 2030. The government is opening the door for the purchase of emission quotas in order to reach the climate target that Norway has submitted to the UN.
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Analysis: Norway’s Climate Leadership in Flux Amidst Baku Climate Summit
In a surprise move, Norway’s delegation to the Baku climate summit will be led by acting climate and environment minister Tore O. Sandvik, rather than the expected Andreas Bjelland Eriksen or Espen Barth Eide. This sudden change in leadership raises questions about the stability of Norway’s climate policy and its commitment to international cooperation on environmental issues.
According to reports, State Secretary Kristoffer Thoner confirmed that the acting minister would be heading the delegation, citing the absence of a permanent minister [source]. This unexpected move comes amidst the Baku climate summit, a crucial gathering of international leaders to address pressing environmental concerns.
It is worth noting that Norway has had multiple ministers of climate and environment in recent times. Andreas Bjelland Eriksen was listed as the Minister of Climate and Environment (Labor) in February 2024 [1]. Additionally, Elisabet Haveraaen was mentioned in another context as being part of the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment [2]. Furthermore, Espen Barth Eide was featured as Norway’s Minister for Climate and the Environment in a Reuters Newsmaker event in September 2023 [3].
The frequent change in leadership raises concerns about the long-term commitment and stability of Norway’s climate policy. While the country has been a strong advocate for environmental protection and climate action, this latest development may undermine its credibility and influence on the international stage.
As the Baku climate summit gets underway, Norway’s delegation, led by acting minister Tore O. Sandvik, will need to demonstrate a clear and consistent commitment to addressing the pressing environmental challenges facing the world today. Only time will tell if this sudden change in leadership will impact Norway’s ability to effectively contribute to international climate discussions.
