Norwegian Climate Minister Andreas Bjelland Eriksen on parental leave until end of year

Norwegian Climate and Environment Minister Andreas Bjelland Eriksen is on parental leave from September 2 until the end of the year. He welcomed his second child in January. During his absence, a new minister will take over his responsibilities, which is uncommon as typically another government minister would step in.

Two significant issues await the interim minister, both domestically and internationally. At the end of September or beginning of October, a comprehensive action plan for nature will be presented. This plan follows the commitments made during a global summit in Canada two years ago, where countries agreed to develop national strategies in alignment with a global nature agreement.

Additionally, the Nature Summit (COP16) will be held in Cali, Colombia, from October 21 to November 1. The interim minister will lead Norway’s delegation at this meeting, the first since the Canadian summit, focusing on the progress of implementing the Nature Agreement.

Shortly afterward, the annual Climate Summit (COP29) will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22. The Climate and Environment Minister traditionally plays a crucial role, often leading discussions on specific topics amidst complex negotiations that entail a multitude of interconnected issues. This year, climate financing is expected to be a key topic.

While Eriksen is on leave, efforts will also be underway to draft a new climate report slated for publication in spring 2025.

The negotiations for an international plastics agreement are scheduled to conclude in Busan, South Korea, from November 25 to December 1, with Development Minister Anne Beathe Tvinnereim at the helm of those discussions.