Criticism of Norway’s Climate White Paper
– Norway’s Climate Strategy and Fossil Fuel Dependence
– Environmental Groups Challenge Norway’s Emissions Targets
Environmental watchdog 350.org has identified significant shortcomings in Norway’s newly released Climate White Paper, labeling it a “masked commitment to fossil fuel expansion.” The critique highlights several key issues:
– The proposed 70–75% emissions reduction target by 2035 falls short of Norway’s fair share, which should be at least 80%, and relies heavily on international flexibility mechanisms rather than domestic efforts.
– Norway has not set a definitive climate neutrality goal for 2050, instead aiming for a 90–95% emissions reduction by mid-century.
– Despite recommendations from its climate committee, the government resists establishing a clear plan to phase out oil and gas production, signaling intentions to continue fossil fuel extraction contrary to scientific advice for a hard end date aligned with the 1.5°C warming limit.
– While the paper suggests an expansion of renewable energy, it lacks a specific target for 2035 and controversially emphasizes bioenergy.
Andreas Sieber, Associate Director of Policy and Campaigns at 350.org, stated, “Norway presents itself as a climate leader, but this new climate white paper is essentially a masked commitment to fossil fuels. Norway needs to go beyond rhetoric and deliver a truly transformative climate plan.”
