Arendalsuka 2024

Welcome to the GRID-Arendal events page for Arendalsuka 2024! This year’s Arendalsuka takes place 12-16 August, and we have a variety of environmental events planned in English and Norwegian. We will be updating this page throughout the summer and during Arendalsuka with our events, videos, live streams, and recordings. We look forward to seeing you there!

Arendalsuka is the largest political gathering in Norway held annually since 2012. The event’s mission is clear: strengthen the belief in political empowerment and democracy through open debate and involvement. Over the course of 5 days, the city of Arendal is filled with an interesting and educational variety of exhibitions and events.

This is an important arena for GRID-Arendal to connect with politicians, stakeholders, and partners, enabling us to engage in subjects relevant to the work we do. All of this right here in Arendal and our very own backyard!

Save our Snow -the implications of changing snow cover in the Hindu Kush Himalaya and the Arctic

Tuesday 14:00 – 14:50

Location: Lavvo

What are the implications of changing snow cover in the HKH and the Arctic? Climate change is affecting snow cover, which is having significant implications globally. In the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) millions of people are dependent on water from snow melt for irrigation and drinking water. Snow melt, as well as glacier melt, are critical for hydropower in many river basins of the HKH, a region where many people still don’t have access to electricity. Animals such as yaks are also affected by changes in snow cover. Snow-covered peaks also have spiritual significance in many parts of the HKH. 

Arctic regions are also affected by changes in snow cover, with many of the same challenges as in the HKH but also some differences. Norway gets most of its electricity from hydropower, which is highly dependent on glacier and snow melt in hot, dry periods. Reindeers are affected by the amount of snow and when it comes or melts. Snowy mountains do not have the same spiritual significance as in the HKH, but a snowy winter is a lot lighter than a winter without snow cover and skiing is an important winter activity for many people in the Arctic.  

This panel aims to bring together people from the Hindu Kush Himalaya and the Arctic, to discuss common challenges that are faced by changes in snow cover and the cryosphere generally, as well as to examine whether there are solutions to these issues that can be shared. 

Save Our Snow is also a campaign initiated by ICIMOD (International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development) to bring attention to the changing cryosphere in the Hindu Kush Himalaya. 

This event consists of a high level panel discussion with panelists involved in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region and the Arctic. The invited panelists are:  

-Dr. Pema Gyamatso (ICIMOD);

-Mr. Morten Høglund (Arctic Council); 

-Mr. Sharad Joshi (ICIMOD)

-Dr. Lars Kullerud (UArctic)

Dr. Miriam Jackson (ICIMOD) is the moderator and Ms. Paige Hellbaum Eikeland (GRID-Arendal) will give summarising remarks.

Opportunity for questions and comments.

Humanitære konsekvenser av klimakrisen

Tirsdag 15:00 – 15:45

Sted: GRID-Arendal Bakgården

Om arrangementet

Røde Kors Ungdom & GRID-Arendal på Arendalsuka 2024! Sofa-samtale mellom en aktivist, ekspert og politiker. Kan vi i dialogen finne de løsninger vi så desperat trenger? Tema: Humanitære konsekvenser av klimakrisen – mennesket bak konsekvensene. Fokus på å belyse det menneskelige aspektet av klimakrisen gjennom tre temaer;

Aktivisten: Hvorfor velger man å bli aktivist – og er det, det rette grep for å sikre en bedre verden?

Eksperten: Hvorfor velger man å bli ekspert – og er det nok, hvordan sikrer man at politikerne lytter? Vi har vist mye om dette i over 50 år, og allikevel mangler det handling. 

Politikeren: Kan politikeren treffe de rette beslutninger, og hvordan påvirker det ens politiske handlingskraft å se konsekvensene av klimakrisen?

Avsluttes med optimisme og handlingsvilje. Faktagrunnlag fra Røde Kors og GRID-Arendal. 

The Environmental Impact of conflicts: Assessing Consequences and Seeking Solutions

Tuesday 16:00-16:45

Location: GRID-Arendal Backyard

About the event:

We delve into the often-overlooked ecological toll of conflict, from deforestation and pollution to the destruction of ecosystems and biodiversity. This debate aims to unravel the complex web of environmental consequences stemming from political conflicts, while also exploring strategies for mitigating these impacts and fostering post-conflict environmental restoration efforts. 

The UN Environment Assembly passed a resolution recognizing the environmental consequences of armed conflict (UNEP/EA.6/RES.12) and highlighting how the UN Environment Programme can contribute to both assessment and cleanup efforts.

Looking back at past conflicts, we see that they’ve caused serious damage to cities, infrastructure, farmland, and ecosystems. Even after wars end, dangerous explosives and other leftover hazards can continue to harm the environment and people’s health. The breakdown of government during wars or political conflicts makes these problems even worse.

Recent events highlight how conflicts can lead to environmental crises. In this debate, experts are emphasizing that we need to understand the connection between conflicts and environmental damage. By discussing these issues openly and taking action to protect the environment during and after conflicts, we can work towards a more peaceful and sustainable future.

Inside the INC Process: Unveiling Plastic Treaty Negotiations

Tuesday 17:00-17:45

Location: GRID-Arendal Backyard

About the event:

With only one meeting left to hammer out the details, experts are gathering to explain what’s really going on in the negotiations for the new plastic treaty.

This discussion will break down the process and highlight the challenges and opportunities ahead. Join us to understand the final push to protect our planet from plastic pollution.

• Global Plastic Reduction Target: Peru and Rwanda propose a 40% reduction in new plastic production by 2040, aiming for a maximum of 240-250 million tons of plastic produced.
• Tension Between Global and National Interests: Negotiations reveal a struggle between broad ambitions for the treaty and the inclusion of national considerations, such as specific plastic issues and industrial interests.
• Unified Approach Needed: There’s a call for a cohesive strategy, emphasizing a legally binding, holistic perspective on plastic across its lifecycle, addressing environmental impacts and marginalized groups’ rights.
• Industry Impact and Environment: Potential bans on single-use plastics signal a shift that may challenge the plastics industry but benefit the environment, yet unresolved challenges hinder progress toward agreement on essential treaty features.

Exploring Constructive Journalism: A Tool for Saving the World?

Tuesday 18:00-19:00

Location: GRID-Arendal Backyard

About the event:

Join us for an exciting event where we talk about a new way of reporting called constructive journalism. 

NRK’s adoption of this framework in their strategy prompts the question: what does it truly entail?

During our talk, we’ll explain how constructive journalism focuses on finding solutions, seeing things in a more detailed way, and having open conversations. Come join us to learn from different perspectives and discover new ways to talk about climate change that make a real difference.

Discover the origins of this movement and how it has evolved over time to try to combat climate fatigue and anxiety. Learn from the experiences of journalists from Argentina, Australia, India, Kenya, and Norway, who embarked on a transformative journey as Climate Explorers. Over five months, they collaborated and brainstormed strategies to revolutionise climate journalism, culminating in a collection of effective and constructive approaches to address the greatest crisis of our era. 

Peaks of Change – a conversation with Kristin Harila

Tuesday 19:15-20:00

Location: GRID-Arendal Backyard

About the event:

Join us for an inspiring evening at our “Green Mingle”, where we’ll delve into the themes of passion and making a difference. Our special guest, Kristin Harila, together with Tenjen Lama Sherpa, set a world record in July 2023 by climbing all fourteen 8000-meter-high mountains in just 92 days. This incredible feat was achieved to demonstrate that a determined team can overcome any challenge, regardless of gender or origin.

Kristin Harila will join Karen Landmark in a conversation to discuss her role as a snow ambassador, the impact of waste on these majestic environments, and her initiative to start the TENJEN-HARILA Cleanup Project.

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations and learn how dedicated individuals like Kristin are making a tangible difference. Network with like-minded environmental enthusiasts and professionals and get inspired to contribute to a greener future.

After the conversation ends around 20:00, the backyard will be open for the Green Mingle! 

Green Mingle

Tuesday/Tirsdag 20:00-22:00

Location/Sted: GRID-Arendal Backyard/Bakgård

About the event/om arrangementet:

A networking and social event for all those who work to make our planet more green!

1,5-gradersmålet er tapt. Hva er planen nå?

Onsdag 11:00-12:00

Sted: Store Torungen, Arendal kultur- og rådhus

Om arrangementet:

Det ikke lenger er mulig å nå Paris-målet om å begrense temperaturøkningen til 1,5 grader uansett hvor mye verdens nasjoner kutter i utslipp for å nå sine mål. I en av tre modeller vil vi passere 1,5 grads temperaturøkning allerede i 2024. Vi må tilpasse oss et varmere klima enn det vi er forberedt på, og det blir dramatisk ifølge alle tilgjengelige klimarapporter. Hva er mulighetene?

Merk: Det er adgangskontroll på Arendal kultur- og rådhus, og det må beregnes noe ekstra tid for å komme inn. Merk at det er ikke tillatt å ta med flasker, paraplyer og liknende gjenstander inn i bygningen.

Klimarisiko, 2050 er her nå!

Onsdag 15:30-16:15

Sted: Lavvoen

Om arrangementet:

Klimaendringene eskalerer raskt, og spesielt i Arktisk hvor temperaturøkningen skjer opp til fire ganger raskere enn det globale gjennomsnittet. Dette bringer med seg økt risiko for Nordområdene, fra endringer i klimasystemet, til mer ekstremvær, tap av biologisk mangfold, økosystem kollaps og en økende trussel mot vårt ressursgrunnlag. Men hvordan skal vi forberede oss på disse? Og hvem står ansvarlig for å handtere de?

En Sårbarhetsanalyser gjennomført av Nordadapt for Nordland og Troms fylkeskommuner viser til at det er de små, gjerne fattigste kommunene her i landet som er de mest sårbare for klimaendringer. Kommunepolitikerne står nå ovenfor et enormt arbeid og ansvar for å sikre sine innbyggere god beredskap mot klimaendringene, men står de for alene om dette ansvaret? Og hvor er de nasjonale politikerne i denne diskusjonen?

Vi inviterer til debatt hvor vi utforsker sårbarhet- og klimarisiko; hvilke endringer som skjer i Norge nå, hva som må gjøres for å forberede oss for disse. Dette er ikke bare en samtale om fremtiden, det er en samtale om nåtiden. Mens vi snakker om å nå klimamålene innen 2050 er virkeligheten her allerede og vi må handle raskt for å sikre oss at vi er forberedt på de utfordringene som ligger fremfor oss og utnytte de eventuelle mulighetene som oppstår.

Tiden for å skyve stadig mer hårete mål foran oss er forbi – nå må det handles!!

Polar Promise: Himalayan-Arctic Collaboration for better future

Thursday 12:15-13:15

Location: Lavvo

About the event:

How can collaboration between university and research networks from different regions be best utilized to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future in these regions and beyond? 

The University of the Arctic (UArctic) and the Himalayan University Consortium (HUC) both represent large regional networks of universities and member organizations. How does future collaboration between this kind of networks look like? What are their success stories, where are the main challenges and what is needed to bridge the gaps?

This event consists of a high level panel discussion with panelists from Hindu Kush Himalayan region and the Arctic. The speakers include:

– Pema Gyamatso, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), HUC

– Anne Husebekk, UArctic

– Anders Oskal (TBC), International Centre for Reindeer Husbandry (ICR)

– Helene Svendsen, GRID-Arendal / UArctic Thematic Network on Arctic Plastic Pollution

– Jessica Louise Hall, UiT and the University of Saskatchewan

Opportunities for brief questions and comments.

Blue Carbon Finance: Sustainable Management Unlocked?

Thursday 16:00-16:50

Location: GRID-Arendal backyard

About the event:

What is the viability of blue carbon in effectively serving as a reliable financial mechanism for sustainable management of coastal and marine ecosystems, considering both its opportunities and limitations?

The sustainable management of blue carbon ecosystems is heralded as a pivotal nature-based solution to the climate crisis, providing numerous co-benefits such as enhancing biodiversity, supporting fisheries, and protecting coastal communities. Through the carbon market, blue carbon leads the way in the harnessing of natural capital and innovative finance and is advanced as a key opportunity to support developing countries in sustainably managing coastal and marine ecosystems.

However, concerns about the integrity of nature-based solutions necessitate a thorough understanding of the genuine viability, opportunities and risks that blue carbon presents to developing nations and the Global South.

The primary aim of this event is to explore the viability of blue carbon as a financial mechanism supporting sustainable stewardship. It will delve into the realities, limitations, and opportunities associated with blue carbon in the carbon market and in other potential financial mechanisms.