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