Episode description

As war erupted in Ukraine earlier this year, the United Nations Environmental Assembly passed a historic resolution to negotiate the end of plastic pollution. As the Russian invasion continued, its ripple effects were felt throughout Europe and the rest of the world as Russian gas imports decreased, energy prices increased, and leaders were faced with balancing short-term energy needs with long-term climate goals. Perhaps no one can speak to all of this better than Norway's Climate and Environment Minister Espen Barth Eide. In addition to his leadership in Norway, Mr. Eide also served as the President of the UNEA's Fifth Assembly and presided over the passing of the Plastics Resolution.

Mr. Eide addresses the fact that Norway has increased its supply of natural gas to all time highs as it replaces Russia as Europe's primary natural gas supplier and what that means for the country's climate goals. He also discusses how the Russian invasion may lead to even more unprecedented international cooperation on climate and pollution initiatives.

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