Norway’s new Minister of the Environment and Development Cooperation, Erik Solheim, has recently been in Brazil where he had some talks with his brazilian colleague. The two ministers disussed the global climate change, and especially the problem with deforestation was on the agenda.
"Deforestation is expected to be an important subject on the upcoming Bali conference", Erik Solheim said.
Emissions from deforestation is counting for more than 20 percent of the world’s total emissions of CO2. Most of Brazil’s CO2 emissions result from deforestation.
To encounter this problem, the Brazilian government has recently developed a very ambitious plan on sustainable growth of the Amazon.
"Norway is now looking on how we can transfer this positive development into a closer relationsship with Brazil", the new Norwegian minister said.
Norway will support two programs under the new program, and the money will be transfered through the United Nations Development Program, UNEP. In addition to this, Norway has also vowed to give money to the Rainforest foundation. The total amount of money to be given is NOK 130 million.