Norway’s new climate target: emissions to be cut by at least 55 %

‘I am pleased to announce that Norway is raising its emission reduction target to at least 55 %. This sends a strong signal to other countries, and we hope that more countries will enhance their targets as well,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

In 2020, Norway was one of the first countries to submit an enhanced emission reduction target under the Paris Agreement. Norway is now increasing its level of ambition even further.

‘Just as important as ambitious targets are sound plans for achieving them. And Norway has these plans in place. We will be presenting annual climate action plans that will clearly set out how we intend to achieve our climate targets. But make no mistake, we will have to work very hard to succeed,’ said Mr Støre.

In February 2020, Norway enhanced its reduction target from at least 40 % to at least 50 % and towards 55 % by 2030 compared to the 1990 level. In response to the call from last year’s climate summit for all countries to reassess their emission reduction targets, Norway is now further enhancing its target. By 2030, Norway will cut emissions by at least 55 % compared to the 1990 level.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), rapid, deep emission cuts are essential if the world is to succeed in limiting global warming to 1.5°C.

‘The new emission reduction target means that Norway is adopting the same level of ambition as our closest partners. The Government has recently presented a climate status report and action plan which describes how the Government intends to achieve the transformation process needed to reduce Norway’s emissions by 55 %. This comes in addition to our close cooperation with the EU and Iceland, where we are working together in leading the effort to achieve systematic transformation of the entire economy towards a renewable, circular and sustainable future,’ said Minister of Climate and Environment Espen Barth Eide.

The Government has recently presented a climate status report and action plan describing how Norway intends to achieve its emission reduction target in cooperation with the EU.

Adapting to climate change and preventing loss and damage due to climate change will be one of the main topics at COP27 in Egypt. It is also important to provide more climate finance to developing countries for both mitigation and adaptation.

‘In addition to our own emission cuts, it is sound climate policy to ensure that more of the world has access to renewable solutions. Developing countries are asking for help in adapting to climate change, and Norway will at least be tripling its funding in this area. In Egypt, we will enter into agreements to provide funding for renewable energy, food security and meteorological services to better equip developing countries to deal with climate change,’ said Minister of International Development Anne Beathe Tvinnereim.