natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
Disaster prevention and preparedness is the key for reducing the costs of extreme weather and climate events.
Disaster prevention and preparedness is the key for reducing the costs of extreme weather and climate events.
This report, as well as others (e.g. the World Bank report launched a year ago - Natural Hazards, UnNatural Disasters), shows that prevention and preparedness pays off, if done right.
This report, as well as others (e.g. the World Bank report launched a year ago - Natural Hazards, UnNatural Disasters), shows that prevention and preparedness pays off, if done right.
We still need to improve our response to disasters, but prevention is more efficient and saves lives.
We still need to improve our response to disasters, but prevention is more efficient and saves lives.
As always, the most vulnerable are the poor - in all societies.
As always, the most vulnerable are the poor - in all societies.
Women, children and young people must be at the centre of disaster risk planning processes at all levels.
Women, children and young people must be at the centre of disaster risk planning processes at all levels.
Representing increased risks and potential harm in all countries, extreme weather and climate events represents a particular challenge for developing countries.
Representing increased risks and potential harm in all countries, extreme weather and climate events represents a particular challenge for developing countries.
As a consequence Norway is increasing its allocations to developing countries for climate change adaptation and disaster prevention and preparedness measures.
As a consequence Norway is increasing its allocations to developing countries for climate change adaptation and disaster prevention and preparedness measures.
Prevention and development strategies should go hand in hand.
Prevention and development strategies should go hand in hand.
Tomorrow I will go on a field trip to Mekelle to study agricultural projects where climate change adaptation is a main aim.
Tomorrow I will go on a field trip to Mekelle to study agricultural projects where climate change adaptation is a main aim.
Ethiopa has gone a long way when it comes to saving lives during drought.
Ethiopa has gone a long way when it comes to saving lives during drought.
In this regard the agricultural sector is a key sector.
In this regard the agricultural sector is a key sector.
Preparedness and climate change adaptation is inherently interlinked.
Preparedness and climate change adaptation is inherently interlinked.
We need to plan and build better for a safer today and a safer tomorrow.
We need to plan and build better for a safer today and a safer tomorrow.
This special report of the IPCC provides a firm foundation for our future work on these issues, which will continue to be focused on the poorest countries, and on women and children.
This special report of the IPCC provides a firm foundation for our future work on these issues, which will continue to be focused on the poorest countries, and on women and children.
I look forward to the exchanges here and wish you every success in your efforts.
I look forward to the exchanges here and wish you every success in your efforts.
Lillestrøm, 12 June 2010
Lillestrøm, 12. juni 2010
- The research community now has the important task of integrating the IPY findings into comprehensive but accessible analyses that can be put to practical use in policy-making, minister Støre stated in his speech at the International Polar Year conference.
- The research community now has the important task of integrating the IPY findings into comprehensive but accessible analyses that can be put to practical use in policy-making, sa Støre under sin avslutningstale på den internasjonale forskningskonferansen i anledning Polaråret (IPY-OSC).
Illustration: Title slide.
Illustration: Title slide.
Ladies and gentlemen, Dear friends,
Ladies and gentlemen, Dear friends,
A long and intensive week is about to come to an end.
A long and intensive week is about to come to an end.
More than 2 300 polar researchers from nearly 50 countries have gathered in Norway – a record event in itself.
More than 2 300 polar researchers from nearly 50 countries have gathered in Norway – a record event in itself.
This has been the largest polar science conference ever – a powerful demonstration of knowledge.
This has been the largest polar science conference ever – a powerful demonstration of knowledge.
It has been an honour and a pleasure to host the conference.
It has been an honour and a pleasure to host the conference.
Think about it: for centuries the polar regions ranked among the areas of the world about which we knew the least.
Think about it: for centuries the polar regions ranked among the areas of the world about which we knew the least.
A hundred years ago, large parts of the Arctic and Antarctica had not even been explored by people from outside these regions.
A hundred years ago, large parts of the Arctic and Antarctica had not even been explored by people from outside these regions.
And those who ventured deep into the polar regions were considered adventurous and daring explorers.
And those who ventured deep into the polar regions were considered adventurous and daring explorers.
Today, we can add the many researchers to their ranks.
Today, we can add the many researchers to their ranks.
Many countries have polar explorers they are proud of, and Norway is among them.
Many countries have polar explorers they are proud of, and Norway is among them.
Explorers and scientists such as Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen not only mapped uncharted regions.
Explorers and scientists such as Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen not only mapped uncharted regions.
They also played a major part in shaping Norway’s modern national identity.
They also played a major part in shaping Norway’s modern national identity.
Next year – on 14 December – we will commemorate the fact that 100 years have passed since Roald Amundsen was the first to set foot on the South Pole.
Next year – on 14 December – we will commemorate the fact that 100 years have passed since Roald Amundsen was the first to set foot on the South Pole.
Others have almost been forgotten, like another Norwegian, Carsten Borchgrevink, who 12 years earlier led the first expedition to spend the winter on the Antarctic continent, and paved the way for his more famous countryman.
Others have almost been forgotten, like another Norwegian, Carsten Borchgrevink, who 12 years earlier led the first expedition to spend the winter on the Antarctic continent, and paved the way for his more famous countryman.
Illustration: Borchgrevink’s huts at Antarctica.
Illustration: Borchgrevink’s huts at Antarctica.
The huts his expedition erected at Cape Adare were in fact the first buildings on the continent.
The huts his expedition erected at Cape Adare were in fact the first buildings on the continent.
They were built using prefabricated pine units made here in this very municipality, Skedsmo, by Strømmen Trevarefabrikk about three kilometres west of this venue.
They were built using prefabricated pine units made here in this very municipality, Skedsmo, by Strømmen Trevarefabrikk about three kilometres west of this venue.
The huts are still standing and are a proud part of Antarctica’s heritage.
The huts are still standing and are a proud part of Antarctica’s heritage.
For Norway, our history of polar exploration is just one reason for our deep involvement in polar research.
For Norway, our history of polar exploration is just one reason for our deep involvement in polar research.
We are the world’s fifth polar research nation in terms of publications.
We are the world’s fifth polar research nation in terms of publications.
Norway is the only country with territories and maritime areas in both polar areas – large areas – and we have important industries that are dependent on them.
Norway is the only country with territories and maritime areas in both polar areas – large areas – and we have important industries that are dependent on them.
The intention of this conference has been to sum up the scientific results from the fourth International Polar Year (IPY), which ended on 1st March last year.
The intention of this conference has been to sum up the scientific results from the fourth International Polar Year (IPY), which ended on 1st March last year.
The results are impressive: altogether, 2 600 abstracts of scientific papers were submitted to the conference.
The results are impressive: altogether, 2 600 abstracts of scientific papers were submitted to the conference.
Some 2 200 presentations have been given during the week.
Some 2 200 presentations have been given during the week.
There have been a number of information and outreach activities.
There have been a number of information and outreach activities.
The work will continue for a long time after the end of the conference.
The work will continue for a long time after the end of the conference.
We can now conclude that IPY has lifted polar research to a new level.
We can now conclude that IPY has lifted polar research to a new level.
Fifty thousand researchers and technicians from more than 60 nations have demonstrated the value of international cooperation.
Fifty thousand researchers and technicians from more than 60 nations have demonstrated the value of international cooperation.
Sound scientific knowledge is paramount for good management, which makes you – the polar researchers – key drivers in dealing with the challenges in the polar regions and their global impact.
Sound scientific knowledge is paramount for good management, which makes you – the polar researchers – key drivers in dealing with the challenges in the polar regions and their global impact.
Illustration: “Upside-down map”.
Illustration: “Upside-down map”.
Since 2005, the Norwegian Government has defined the High North as a strategic priority in our foreign policy.
Since 2005, the Norwegian Government has defined the High North as a strategic priority in our foreign policy.
The High North is defined as the northern part of mainland Norway, stretching into the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean – focus areas of political bodies such as the Barents Council and the Arctic Council.
The High North is defined as the northern part of mainland Norway, stretching into the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean – focus areas of political bodies such as the Barents Council and the Arctic Council.
Why have we made this a priority?
Why have we made this a priority?
Because this is the region close to us that is changing most rapidly, where we have the most interests to safeguard, and where we have both a responsibility and the ability to make a difference.
Because this is the region close to us that is changing most rapidly, where we have the most interests to safeguard, and where we have both a responsibility and the ability to make a difference.
I am showing you this slide because it is an illustration of a different way of perceiving the High North, which challenges the traditional notion of centre and periphery.
I am showing you this slide because it is an illustration of a different way of perceiving the High North, which challenges the traditional notion of centre and periphery.
During my five years as Foreign Minister I have noted the growing political interest in Arctic affairs.
During my five years as Foreign Minister I have noted the growing political interest in Arctic affairs.
The Arctic merits – and is receiving – increasing attention from many states, for ecological, economic and geopolitical reasons.
The Arctic merits – and is receiving – increasing attention from many states, for ecological, economic and geopolitical reasons.
But we need to manage both activities and expectations in a responsible manner.
But we need to manage both activities and expectations in a responsible manner.
This is a vulnerable region from an ecological and environmental perspective.
This is a vulnerable region from an ecological and environmental perspective.
I am pleased to see that there is growing consensus on the need for strict regulation in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
I am pleased to see that there is growing consensus on the need for strict regulation in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Let me expand on this perspective and share with you some reflections on the legal framework for the areas we are focusing on here.
Let me expand on this perspective and share with you some reflections on the legal framework for the areas we are focusing on here.
The Arctic and the Antarctic both have a polar climate.
The Arctic and the Antarctic both have a polar climate.
But otherwise, there are fundamental differences.
But otherwise, there are fundamental differences.
In the Antarctic, the situation regarding claims to sovereignty and jurisdiction is ordered through a treaty – not least thanks to the previous international polar year, or the International Geophysical Year as it was called, in 1957–58.
In the Antarctic, the situation regarding claims to sovereignty and jurisdiction is ordered through a treaty – not least thanks to the previous international polar year, or the International Geophysical Year as it was called, in 1957–58.
One of the key political achievements that resulted from the close scientific cooperation during that year was the Antarctic Treaty, which was signed in Washington DC in 1959.
One of the key political achievements that resulted from the close scientific cooperation during that year was the Antarctic Treaty, which was signed in Washington DC in 1959.
We celebrated its 50th anniversary, also in Washington, in April last year.
We celebrated its 50th anniversary, also in Washington, in April last year.
Some people have been inspired by this lesson and put forward the idea that we may also need a treaty for the Arctic.
Some people have been inspired by this lesson and put forward the idea that we may also need a treaty for the Arctic.
Illustration: Map, continental shelves.
Illustration: Map, continental shelves.
But take a look at the realities.
But take a look at the realities.
Whereas Antarctica is a continent surrounded by sea, the Arctic is basically an ocean surrounded by populated territories that are part of national states with sovereign rights to areas off their coasts in accordance with international law.
Whereas Antarctica is a continent surrounded by sea, the Arctic is basically an ocean surrounded by populated territories that are part of national states with sovereign rights to areas off their coasts in accordance with international law.
The five countries surrounding the Arctic Ocean – the US, Canada, Denmark/Greenland, Norway and Russia – have internationally recognised sovereignty over land and, as a consequence, jurisdiction over maritime zones and continental shelves.
The five countries surrounding the Arctic Ocean – the US, Canada, Denmark/Greenland, Norway and Russia – have internationally recognised sovereignty over land and, as a consequence, jurisdiction over maritime zones and continental shelves.
Illustration: Photo from Ilulissat in 2008.
Illustration: Photo from Ilulissat in 2008.
The foreign ministers of these countries met at Ilulissat, Greenland, in 2008 and issued a declaration in which we state our agreement on this approach.
The foreign ministers of these countries met at Ilulissat, Greenland, in 2008 and issued a declaration in which we state our agreement on this approach.
The message was clear: we agreed that we have an international legal framework in place – namely the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The message was clear: we agreed that we have an international legal framework in place – namely the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
All states abide by the Convention’s provisions, including the US, although the latter has not as yet ratified the Convention.
All states abide by the Convention’s provisions, including the US, although the latter has not as yet ratified the Convention.
This framework must now be filled with concrete policies.
This framework must now be filled with concrete policies.
We also agreed to settle all disputed issues in accordance with the provisions of the Convention.
We also agreed to settle all disputed issues in accordance with the provisions of the Convention.
One of this spring’s main events here in Norway was the historic agreement between Norway and Russia on maritime delimitation in the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean on 27 April (resulting in a “fifty-fifty split”), after 40 years of negotiation.
One of this spring’s main events here in Norway was the historic agreement between Norway and Russia on maritime delimitation in the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean on 27 April (resulting in a “fifty-fifty split”), after 40 years of negotiation.
During all these years we have followed the provisions of the Convention.
During all these years we have followed the provisions of the Convention.
Through this agreement, we are sending a clear message that there is no “race for the Arctic”, as some have claimed.
Through this agreement, we are sending a clear message that there is no “race for the Arctic”, as some have claimed.
The fourth IPY has been a truly international, interdisciplinary endeavour.
The fourth IPY has been a truly international, interdisciplinary endeavour.
Researchers in more than 60 countries have taken part and their efforts have resulted in exciting new findings.
Researchers in more than 60 countries have taken part and their efforts have resulted in exciting new findings.
This has been a unique effort.
This has been a unique effort.
So, what outcomes can we expect from this International Polar Year?
So, what outcomes can we expect from this International Polar Year?
We will probably have to wait several years before we know the full answer – because findings have to be analysed, understood and put in context thoroughly.
We will probably have to wait several years before we know the full answer – because findings have to be analysed, understood and put in context thoroughly.
And more related research will be continuing.
And more related research will be continuing.
However, some of the achievements of IPY are already well-known.
However, some of the achievements of IPY are already well-known.
IPY has highlighted the global importance of polar processes and the urgent need to understand and track the rapid changes occurring at high latitudes.
IPY has highlighted the global importance of polar processes and the urgent need to understand and track the rapid changes occurring at high latitudes.
The polar areas are much more important for the global climate than we realised only a few years ago.
The polar areas are much more important for the global climate than we realised only a few years ago.
Some of the fastest and greatest changes to the climate are taking place in the polar regions.
Some of the fastest and greatest changes to the climate are taking place in the polar regions.
Illustration: Climate change, ice melting, Arctic 1979–2007 (two maps).
Illustration: Climate change, ice melting, Arctic 1979–2007 (two maps).
The Arctic is now experiencing some of the most rapid and severe climate change on earth, and even greater change is projected.
The Arctic is now experiencing some of the most rapid and severe climate change on earth, and even greater change is projected.
The climate change will also affect the rest of the world through increased global warming and rising sea levels.
The climate change will also affect the rest of the world through increased global warming and rising sea levels.
The consequences of melting ice in the Arctic are illustrated by the drying out of Lake Chad in Africa.
The consequences of melting ice in the Arctic are illustrated by the drying out of Lake Chad in Africa.
I discussed these challenges when I met colleagues in Sudan last week.
I discussed these challenges when I met colleagues in Sudan last week.
Two weeks ago, sea ice cover fell below the recorded extent at the same time in 2007 (as you can see from the maps).
Two weeks ago, sea ice cover fell below the recorded extent at the same time in 2007 (as you can see from the maps).
In 2007, sea ice cover reached a record low, nearly 50% lower than during the 1950s and 1960s.
In 2007, sea ice cover reached a record low, nearly 50% lower than during the 1950s and 1960s.
The Greenland Ice Sheet is melting, and the Arctic snow cover and permafrost is being reduced.
The Greenland Ice Sheet is melting, and the Arctic snow cover and permafrost is being reduced.
Likewise, Antarctica is a critically important part of the Earth system.
Likewise, Antarctica is a critically important part of the Earth system.
It contains more than 90% of the world’s ice.
It contains more than 90% of the world’s ice.
The Southern Ocean has warmed faster than the global average.
The Southern Ocean has warmed faster than the global average.
Parts of Antarctica are losing ice rapidly.
Parts of Antarctica are losing ice rapidly.
Loss of ice from the West Antarctic Ice Sheet is likely to raise the global sea level by tens of centimetres by the end of this century.
Loss of ice from the West Antarctic Ice Sheet is likely to raise the global sea level by tens of centimetres by the end of this century.
This is expected to contribute to a projected total sea level rise of about 1 metre by 2100, more than double the rise projected by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 2007.
This is expected to contribute to a projected total sea level rise of about 1 metre by 2100, more than double the rise projected by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 2007.
In other words, just three years of research has doubled the estimate of sea level rise.
In other words, just three years of research has doubled the estimate of sea level rise.
These are a few of the main points I have picked up from the International Polar Year.
These are a few of the main points I have picked up from the International Polar Year.
While there is still much we don’t fully understand, our knowledge is increasing.
While there is still much we don’t fully understand, our knowledge is increasing.
We are also discovering that that we have a lot more to learn.
We are also discovering that that we have a lot more to learn.
Illustration: Mr Gore and Mr Støre at COP15 with the report Melting snow and ice.
Illustration: Mr Gore and Mr Støre at COP15 with the report Melting snow and ice.
At the COP15 Conference in Copenhagen last December, former US Vice President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Al Gore and I presented the report Melting snow and ice.
At the COP15 Conference in Copenhagen last December, former US Vice President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Al Gore and I presented the report Melting snow and ice.
In this report, which I have sent to all foreign ministers in the world, we present research – carried out by some of you present here I believe – that updates the picture from 2004–2005.
In this report, which I have sent to all foreign ministers in the world, we present research – carried out by some of you present here I believe – that updates the picture from 2004–2005.
It now seems that snow and ice are melting at an increasing rate all over the globe.
It now seems that snow and ice are melting at an increasing rate all over the globe.
(Including the glaciers in the Himalayas).
(Including the glaciers in the Himalayas).
The report is a clarion call urging political action to substantially reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, and primarily emissions of CO2.
The report is a clarion call urging political action to substantially reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, and primarily emissions of CO2.
However, even if we manage to slow or reverse the rising trend of global greenhouse gas emissions in the coming years, the reduction will not occur quickly enough to conserve the polar and alpine environments as we know them today.
However, even if we manage to slow or reverse the rising trend of global greenhouse gas emissions in the coming years, the reduction will not occur quickly enough to conserve the polar and alpine environments as we know them today.