...First off (click here) we see that emissions have basically been flat since the mid-1990s. A few ups and downs, but basically flat at around 50-55 million tonnes (Mt) of CO2-equivalent (CO2e) emissions per year. (CO2e is a measure used to combine different gases together as to the equivalent amount of CO2.)...Norway has also had an incredible response from it's industries that have risen to become one of the main drivers of GHG reductions.
The Storting (Norwegian Parliament) (click here) passed a Climate Law on 16 June 2017 that establishes legally binding emissions reduction targets for 2030 and 2050. The law came into effect on 1 January 2018 and aims for Norway to achieve “carbon neutrality” by 2050, in quantitative terms - defined as a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 80–95% below 1990 emission levels (UNFCCC, 2018). This law has been complemented by an increased budget allocation to the Ministry of Climate and Environment of NOK 10.5 billion, an increase from 2017 of NOK 0.7 billion. Currently implemented policies are projected to decrease emissions by 6% in 2030 below 1990 levels – a far cry from Norway’s 2030 target of “at least 40%” and “Highly insufficient” , meaning currently implemented policies are not consistent with the Paris Agreement, and are instead consistent with warming between 3°C and 4°C:
Norway signed and ratified the Paris Agreement on 20 June 2016. Norway’s NDC includes a target of reducing GHG emissions by “at least 40%” below 1990 levels in 2030, thus aligning itself with the European Union’s target. The inclusion of emissions and removals from the land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector was made dependent on the EU’s approach to this issue....
From the government of Norway:
Until 2020, Norway will make a commitment to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions by an amount corresponding to 30 per cent of Norway's emissions in 1990.
Norway will be carbon neutral in 2050.
As part of a global and ambitious climate agreement where other industrialised countries also make major commitments, Norway will have a binding target of carbon neutrality by 2030 at the latest. It means that Norway will ensure for reductions in emissions that are equivalent to Norwegian emissions in 2030....
The commitment by the Norwegian government reflects longevity in it's identification of goals.
The Norwegian government (click here) suggests that Norway by 2030 reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 per cent compared to the 1990 level. The EU is leading the way in the efforts to combat anthropogenic climate change. The Norwegian government aims for Norway to join the EU 2030 framework for climate policies in order for Norway and the EU to jointly fulfil their climate targets.
There is a need to transform the Norwegian society. An important reason is the need to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions in order to avoid dangerous, anthropogenic climate change. At the climate change negotiations in Paris in December, Norway and the world needs to take brave new steps towards a low-carbon economy, says Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg.
Under the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol, Norway is committed to reducing global emissions of greenhouse gases equivalent to 30 per cent of Norwegian emissions by 2020 compared to 1990. Norway will now submit to the UN its 2030 climate targets. In the White Paper about a New Norwegian Commitment for the Period After 2020, the Government will suggest a commitment that will increase the level of ambition in Norwegian climate policies....
