NORWAY: Some key policy issues to focus on at the IPM and CSD 19:
Thank you for this opportunity to highlight a few key policy issues that we would like the IPM
and CSD 19 to focus on:
Transport:
- We need to make Public Transport available, accessible and affordable
- Use of financial instruments - like tailored ?green? taxes - as means to promote a more
sustainable transport system, for example to encourage people to buy low emission
vehicles.
Chemicals:
- Important to strengthen synergies between existing chemicals conventions, and avoid any
parallell tracks or processes.
- Manufacturers and importers must be given the primary responsibility to ensure that
substances do not harm human health or the environment. Instead of governments having
the responsibility to prove the risks.
Waste management:
- Minimize waste, including by applying the three R?s- Reduse, Reuse and Recycle.
- Reduce emissions of methane gas from landfills, i.a. through limiting the disposal of
biodegradable material.
- Need to strengthen control of export of hazardous waste, including the flow of e-waste
from developed to developing countries.
Mining:
- the negative impacts of mining on local communities and on the environment must be
addressed and reduced;
- Corporate social responsibility must be an integral part of the mining industry?s response
to the social and environmental challenges involved;
- We must ensure that extraction of non-renewable resources contribute to sustainable
growth and development for the society at large
Sustainable production and consumption (SCP):
- The goal of more sustainable consumption and production patterns must form part of a
future green economy. Hence, our deliberation on a ten year SCP framework must be
closely linked to the broader discussion of green economy in the Rio+20 process.
- The development of more ecoefficient production patterns is crucial. SCP may offer new
business opportunities, new and green jobs and new markets.
Cross-cutting:
- The gender dimension is key to this cycle. Women's rights and opportunities must be
safeguarded, and they should be empowered to play a more significant role in relevant
decision-making processes.
