Initiative and Innovation in the Norwegian INDC Preparation
On 26 March 2015, Norway was the third government after Switzerland and the European Union to officially submit its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) to the UNFCCC. Like the EU, Norway announced an emission reduction target at least 40% below 1990 levels by 2030. The target is economy-wide and covers 100% of national GHG emissions.
Being among the first Parties to submit an INDC, Norway demonstrated initiative and responsibility in the process towards a new international climate agreement in 2015. With regard to substance, two particular aspects in Norway’s INDC deserve emphasis: firstly, Norway advances an innovative and progressive approach towards accounting for land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF). In the absence of a common framework at the European or international level, Norway unilaterally adopts the position that a future methodology for LULUCF accounting shall not affect its ambition level for 2030. Secondly, Norway intends to co-operate with the EU on a collective delivery of the targets. This is a clear political signal towards a closer collaboration with the EU in order to improve climate policy efficiency and raise efforts and ambition at a larger scale.
Norway’s proactive approach in the preparation and submission of its INDC makes it an important role model that might encourage other countries to follow suit.
Strengthening of the political agreement on climate policy on the basis of sound scientific analysis: Central results from the IPCC’s 5th assessment report as well as documents and analyses prepared by the Norwegian Environment Agency, Statistics Norway and the Norwegian Forest and Landscape Institute provided scientific input for the development of both a national and international climate commitment for Norway, and a basis for strengthening the national cross-party agreement on climate policy.
Anchoring of INDC in domestic policies and legislation: The INDC is anchored in the White Paper of February 2015, which was presented by the government and approved by Parliamentary vote. Parliament then requested the government to present a proposal for a climate law (preparations for this legislation are underway). Given the current government is a minority government, it is especially important that parliament is involved closely in important political processes and provides direction for further work of the government.
Pooling of knowledge and experience: The creation of an inter-ministerial working group ensured the efficient use of knowledge and experiences available across government, and reduced the need for additional capacity-building activities.
Creation of broad acceptance for climate policy: Through the active involvement of important stakeholders, research institutes and NGOs in the preparation process of the INDC, understanding and acceptance were created in the broader public, which ensures backing of the government’s current climate policy. A regular dialogue with these actors on long-term goals and ambition levels revealed what is possible both in a technical and a political sense and allowed increased ambition throughout the process.
- Federal ministries: Ministry of Climate and Environment (lead), Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture and Food
- Federal agencies: Norwegian Environment Agency, Statistics Norway