Introduction

The co-operation programme takes its starting point from the mission of the Nordic Council of Ministers to help realise the vision of a Nordic Region which is the most sustainable and integrated region in the world by 2030. All sectors within the Nordic Council of Ministers will work to attain this vision by means of the three strategic priorities: a green Nordic Region, a socially sustainable Nordic Region and a competitive Nordic Region. The goals of the environment and climate sector have been placed under the objective of a green Nordic Region in this programme, however we have consciously designed the majority of our goals to ensure that they can also yield positive results for social sustainability and competitiveness as well. It is by broadening the focus of the sectors that we will be able to attain all three components of the vision.

The co-operation programme places focus on the challenges and opportunities associated with what the UN has named the triple planetary crisis, i.e., the triple challenge of climate change, biodiversity loss and air pollution. These three crises are interrelated and affect one another, and so need to be jointly addressed from a systems perspective.  The co-operation programme is comprised of both area-specific and interdisciplinary perspectives and solutions and places a focus on both Nordic and international benefits. It builds upon the good co-operation that already exists between the Nordic countries within the area of environment and climate, and it supports our ambition to continue to contribute positively to international processes.

The co-operation programme is the governing document for all work undertaken by the Council in relation to the environment and climate. The co-operation programme was approved by the Council of Ministers for the Environment and Climate on 6 September 2024 and shall apply until 31 December 2030. It has been developed by the Nordic countries and the Secretariat of the Nordic Council of Ministers on the basis of participation and input from the Nordic Council, civil society and other relevant actors. This text is to be completed after hearing how the different actors will be involved.

All activities in the Nordic Council of Ministers will contribute to fulfilling our vision that the Nordic Region will be the world's most sustainable and integrated region in 2030. The co-operation programme describes how the sector will work with the three strategic priority areas.