NORWAY'S GOALS FOR POZNAN

UNCLAS OSLO 000634 SIPDIS PASS TO OES/EGC ED FENDLY; EUR/PGI DAVID TESSLER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KGHG SENV ENRG NO SUBJECT: NORWAY'S GOALS FOR POZNAN REF: STATE 119282 ¶1. Summary: Norway's chief climate negotiator, Hanne Inger Bjurstrom, speaking with Emboffs, outlined Norway's priorities for the upcoming climate negotiations at the UN conference in Poznan, December 1-12. Bjurstrom welcomed signs of increased U.S. leadership in climate change and clearly expects the U.S. to take a more active role in future negotiations. Norway's priorities for Poznan are to encourage a flexible mandate for 2009 and to build the political will necessary for Poznan to succeed. End Summary Enthusiastic about cooperation with U.S. -------------- ¶2. Bjurstrom had just returned from a trip to Washington and was familiar with the details of the U.S. position. She also understood the U.S. emphasis on ensuring negotiating space for the incoming Obama Administration. Bjurstrom was very enthusiastic about the incoming Obama Administration and clearly believes that the U.S. and Norway now share the same goal and even much of the same understanding of how to obtain the goal. GON Priorities for Poznan -------------- ¶3. Outlining the GON's priorities for Poznan, Bjurstrom stressed the need for increased political pressure on governments, a focus on midterm (2020) goals along with longer-term 2050 goals and the importance of participation from developing economies. A key element of developing economies participation will be agreements to provide sufficient funding to support these countries in reforming their energy policies. The GON is committed to the two degree goal and would like to encourage the development of a technology fund. The GON will send a very large delegation to Poznan, approximately forty people from the Ministries of Environment, Energy, Foreign Affairs, Finance and Agriculture along with some members of Parliament. Working together with the EU and U.S. -------------- ¶4. Norway is specifically committed to ensuring a "flexible dynamic" and mandate for the 2009 Copenhagen negotiations. They interpret this to mean less time spent on workshops, and more focus on political pressure. The 2020 goals are important to get the developing world on board and the GON believes U.S. leadership is essential in pressuring developing nations, such as China to adopt the 2020 goals. While the long-term goal (2050) is important, Bjurstrom stated that the midterm goal should be a priority as it will force action in a way long-term targets do not. Norway understands that there will be different standards for different countries, but stated that the Obama Administration should expect pressure from the EU to pass cap and trade legislation. The wish for U.S. leadership was clear although Bjurstrom did admit that even robust U.S. leadership it may be insufficient to get China, India and other developing economies fully committed. Norway cooperates extensively with the EU and can be expected to echo much of EU policy. Bjurstrom expressed Norway's commitment to work with the U.S. in Poznan and throughout 2009. She also was strongly supportive of U.S. research and development efforts, saying that technology will provide the ultimate answer. WHITNEY