By Abdullahi Lukman
Norway has released its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), detailing its climate strategy through 2035, but the plan has sparked criticism from environmental groups for lacking ambition and failing to address the country’s ongoing expansion of fossil fuel production.
The government’s new target aims to reduce emissions by 70–75 percent by 2035, relying in part on international carbon offset mechanisms rather than focusing solely on domestic reductions.
Climate advocacy group 350.org argues that this falls short of Norway’s fair share, which they estimate should be at least an 80 percent reduction within the same timeframe.
Despite repeated calls from climate experts, Norway has not committed to full climate neutrality by 2050.
Instead, it targets a 90–95 percent emissions reduction, a move that critics describe as vague and inadequate in light of the climate emergency.
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Norway remains one of the world’s leading fossil fuel producers and has yet to adopt a plan to phase out oil and gas extraction.
This omission, according to environmental campaigners, undermines global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C.
The country’s climate committee has recommended a clearer strategy, but the government appears set to continue fossil fuel development, even as global oil demand peaks.
“Norway’s national climate target falls woefully short of what’s needed to keep the 1.5°C global temperature rise targets alive,” said Andreas Sieber, Associate Director of Policy and Campaigns at 350.org.
“As a wealthy nation, choosing to opt for insufficient climate ambition is an injustice to the most vulnerable people and the planet.”
The NDC also fails to include specific renewable energy targets for 2035, with only general references to expanding renewables—largely centered on bioenergy.
Unlike many other countries submitting their updated climate plans ahead of COP30 in Brazil, Norway has not outlined sectoral targets, raising further concerns about the plan’s effectiveness and credibility.
