Sustainability

Norway is committed to sustainable development and the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Climate change is a central political issue, and Norway has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The country aims to cut emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, and to become a low-emission society by 2050.

Renewable energy plays a dominant role in Norway’s energy mix. Nearly all electricity is generated from hydropower, making Norway one of the greenest energy producers in the world. The country is also a global leader in electric vehicles — Norway has the world’s highest share of electric cars among new car sales, supported by tax incentives and charging infrastructure.

Waste management and recycling are important parts of daily life. Norway has a bottle deposit system (panteordning) that achieves recycling rates above 90% for plastic bottles and cans. Citizens are expected to sort household waste into different categories. The principle of the circular economy — reducing, reusing, and recycling — is increasingly central to Norwegian policy and practice.