Ávarp umhverfis- og auðlindaráðherra á málþingi um norrænar loftslagslausnir: Green to Scale

Björt Ólafsdóttir umhverfis- og auðlindaráðherra flutti eftirfarani ávarp á málþingi um norrænar loftslagslausnir - Green to Scale sem haldið var í Norræna húsinu 18. janúar 2017. 

Dear guests,  

This is one of my first public duties as a Minister in a newly formed government: to address this meeting. I think it is fitting that it should be a meeting on climate action. Combatting climate change is an issue that is highlighted in the platform of the coalition government. It is an issue close to my heart.

It is the job of the central government to lead in climate affairs. The Icelandic government has ratified the Paris agreement, and must fulfil its obligations. I intend to present to the Parliament a report soon, that will sum up the state of affairs and present a vision for action in the near future.

But climate change can not just be the concern of the central government. Greenhouse gas emissions are closely tied to most aspects of our economic system. Climate affairs concern our economy, industry, transportation, use of land and our daily lives. Combatting climate change is one of humankind‘s greatest challenges, and also one of the most complex.

Everyone has a role. Industry has a role, in producing goods and services with less emissions. Science must help us find greener technology. Municipalities must support local solutions in better transportation, waste handling and other aspects. Families and individuals can reduce their carbon footprint.

The Paris agreement was a monumental milestone in climate affairs. Finally we have a common platform for all countries on the planet to act. We should celebrate this. But it is only a beginning. The platform is here, and time to launch fresh action.

Ladies and gentlemen,

This event, and its sister event in Akureyri tomorrow, is precisely about this – practical action, that serves as inspiration and guidance for the task ahead. The Nordic project Green to Scale shows that we do have low-carbon solutions that work. We need to apply such solutions more widely, and we need to intensify our effort.

I would like to say a few words about the importance of local government effort. In Akureyri the municipal government has set a very progressive and praiseworthy policy aimed at reducing emissions. Schools, institutions and firms in Akureyri have acted as well – accounting for their carbon footprint and aiming to reduce it.

The same is true for Reykjavík. The city government aims for Reykjavík to become carbon neutral by 2040 and has an action plan designed to reach that goal. A big part of that plan involves a partnership with firms operating in the city. The examples shown by Akureyri and Reykjavík and others are crucial for success. We need a broad coalition and leadership in all sectors to reach the goals of the Paris agreement.

Will it cost to reduce emissions? Yes. We need new technologies, innovative solutions and a greener lifestyle. Most actions come with a price tag. If we fail to act, we may have to buy emissions credits, according to the global and European rules on climate affairs. We need to prepare for this.

But it would be a big mistake to look only at the costs of action. There are many benefits from speeding up the transition to a low-carbon future. Cleaner air, better health, less waste, more energy independence – to name only a few.

A look at the examples in Green to Scale shows this clearly. Is the saving of oil imports due to biofuel and electrical cars in many Nordic countries not positive? Would Danes be better off if the large groups of people on bicycles seen every day in Copenhagen travelled by car? And closer to home: Would it be good if Icelanders had skipped the cost of geothermal research and use, and continued to use coal for heating?

Ladies and gentlemen,

The answers to these questions are clear. The cost of inaction is much higher than the price of action. Dirty technologies spell disaster for the future. Green is good.

Many climate actions provide a net monetary benefit in the long run, in addition to saving the planet. This is how we need to think our next steps. Don‘t look just at the big investment costs for electric cars – think of how sensible it is to use clean energy for transport instead of fossil fuels. Gas-guzzling cars should go the way of coal stoves in Icelandic homes. Out.

The Nordic countries are in many ways leaders in green solutions. This is clearly shown in the Green to Scale study. We will need credible climate leaders in the next few years in the global arena. I want to ensure that Iceland will be seen as one of the leading countries in employing climate-friendly solutions. For Iceland to succeed in this, we need local leaders in cities and rural areas, industry and education. We need all aboard.

I thank the organizers of the event here today and in Akureyri tomorrow. May we all learn from the examples here and build a low-carbon future together.

Thank you,