Norway’s Position on Promoting the Proliferation of Green Technologies
In 2011, the global population reached seven billion, and continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, with
a projected population of around 10.5 billion by 2050. Following the industrial revolution, population, per
capita income, per capita resource use, and waste production have all increased exponentially; this trend is
expected to continue. The depletion of the Earth’s resources and pollution from carbon and chemical
emissions are endangering human health, the global economy, and the environment. As factories become
more common in an increasingly industrialized society, it is more prudent than ever to reduce the 33 billion
tons of carbon dioxide emitted from factories in Europe during 2010. (As reported by the European
Commission’s Joint Research Centre and PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency in a 2011
report.) The report continues, stating that increased energy efficiency and the development of nuclear
energy and renewable energy resources cannot offset the increasing global demand for power and
transportation.
Norway has been an advocate for the proliferation of green technology as well as the building of an
environmentally sustainable economy. Norway is ranked third out of 132 countries on the 2012
environmental performance index, behind only Switzerland and Latvia. Norway complies with EU bloc
mandates regarding the environment and the economy and Norway has been a prominent member state in
the fight to reduce carbon emissions and develop a green economy; in 2008, Norway began a push to
develop Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology. In compliance with EU environmental policy,
Norway instated a gasoline tax in 2010 and reduced government subsidies provided for gas, encouraging
the use of more energy efficient vehicles. The government of Norway has set a goal to be entirely carbon
neutral as of 2030.
As in the past, Norway will follow the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) as well as the EU’s
environment mandates. Norway encourages the development of additional UNEP programs, specifically
the development of a green economy, both in Europe and Globally. As stated in Norwegian Ministry of
Foreign Affairs 2010 Policy towards UNEP, “ Norway has lately attached particular importance to UNEP’s
efforts to promote a green economy and place a value on natural diversity and ecosystem services.”
Although the difficulty of globally altering trade and foreign policy is significant, Norway is committed to
addressing the 2015 7th UN millennium development goal of environmental sustainability. In 2012, Norway
hosted both international and national conferences to encourage the proliferation of green technologies and
methods into the global economy. Norway desires to establish a multitude of partnerships between nations
through the platform of green development as it did with Hong Kong, pledging only to trade through
environmentally sustainable means and reduce carbon emissions in the process. As demonstrated in the
trade agreement, Norway believes carbon emissions must be reduced by any means possible and
encourages the increased taxing of fossil fuels and further reduction in subsidies given to corporations that
profit from the sale of fossil fuels. Finally, in congruence with the European Union, Norway advocates for an
emissions trading directive that requires payment for yearly levels of carbon dioxide emissions. The
mandate allows for foreign countries to aid each other in meeting the trading directive. Although this would
require foreign investment by Norway and various countries, it is necessary to establish a green, global
economy.
Therefore, Norway feels that it will be in the best interest of the committee for green technologies to
establish a green, global economy that utilizes green trade standards, the taxation of fossil fuels, and an
emissions trading directive. The result would be increased opportunities for beneficial foreign relations
while protecting the future of nations. Critics argue that green technology is not a necessity for the present
generation. While this viewpoint accurately states that society currently remains largely unaffected by a lack
of green technology, the argument is extremely shortsighted. Subsequent generations will suffer due to the
global community’s inability to implement an economic system that encouraged environmental
sustainability. While critics argue that a green economy will diminish foreign trade, reduce jobs, and
effectively alter the current economic systems, this attitude is inaccurate, as trade will flourish under the
emissions and green trading directives much in the same way it does currently. Great strides must be taken
to ensure a healthy future for the subsequent generation by implementing a green economy that will
encourage effective, sustainable trade and the diminishment of fossil fuels and carbon emissions
throughout the world.
Rhea Stark, Norwegian Delegate