Norway steps up 2030 climate goal to at least 50 % towards 55 %

According to the Paris Agreement, each country has to submit new or updated Nationally determined contributions or NDCs every 5 years. 2020 will be the first time countries submit new or updated emission goals, and the deadline is February 9. The Paris Agreement also clarifies that NDC will represent a progression , and reflect the country's highest possible ambition.

- Norway is one of the first countries in the world to submit a strengthened target under the Paris Agreement. Today's decision is an important step towards a low emission society in Norway, says Minister of Climate and Environment, Sveinung Rotevatn (Lib.).

More countries are expected to submit strengthened targets this year, before the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow this November.

- 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, says Minister of Finance, Jan Tore Sanner (Con.).

Norway wish to fulfil the enhanced target in collaboration with the European Union. Through an agreement with the EU, Norway has already committed to working with the EU to reduce emissions by at least 40 % by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.

- Greenhouse gas emissions in Norway are decreasing, but not fast enough. Norway will cut our emissions significantly in the future. We are well positioned to develop and adopt green solutions and technology that will foster value creation and jobs for the future, says Minister of Children and Families, Kjell Ingolf Ropstad (CDP).

In its European Green Deal, the European Commission has announced that it will present a plan to increase the EU's goal to at least 50 % and up to 55 %. The Norwegian government has made efforts to have the EU increase its goal to 55 %, and will continue to do so in the future.

If the EU – contrary to expectations - does not increase its climate target, following the Paris Agreement, the exceeding part of our enhanced target will be conditional on access to voluntary cooperation under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement outside Europe.

Norway's enhanced target  and information describing and explaining the target can be found here.