Friday 7 February 2020

Norway boosts its 2030 emissions reduction target

Norway has submitted an updated goal to reduce its emissions under the Paris climate agreement.

It is targeting an emissions reduction of at least 50% and towards 55% compared to 1990 levels by 2030.

The Paris deal requires countries to submit new or updated National Determined Contributions (NDCs) every five years, with nations expected to strengthen their goals in 2020 before the COP26 climate summit taking place in Glasgow in November.

This year will be the first time the countries submit their new or updated emission goals and Norway has pledged to reduce emissions by at least half and towards 55% compared to 1990 levels over this decade.

Finance Minister Jan Tore Sanner said: “Climate change is the biggest challenge of our time and Norway will take on a leading role in cutting emissions both nationally and internationally. The fact that Norway now steps up and strengthens its climate target for 2030 can pave the way for other countries to do the same.”

However, the government acknowledged that while greenhouse gas emissions in Norway are decreasing, it isn’t happening fast enough.