New climate report sets new emissions target for 2035

Norway Tightens Climate Goals – Aims for 70–75% Emission Cuts by 2035

The government presented the Climate Report 2035 in Meld. St. 25 (2024–2025) 10 April 2025, which sets a new and ambitious target: Norway will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 70–75 percent compared to 1990 levels by 2035. The goal will be enshrined in the Climate Act Prop. 129 L (2024–2025) and submitted as Norway’s updated contribution under the Paris Agreement.

However, the climate white paper does not contain any specific target for how much should be cut in Norway, and it is expected that the cuts will primarily take place through the purchase of climate quotas. This has already been criticised.

Other key highlights from the report are: 

• National efforts in cooperation with EU: The target will mainly be achieved through domestic efforts and cooperation with the EU, including participation in the EU ETS. The government expects over 90% of the reductions to come from these areas. The report also allows for the purchase of climate quotas outside the EU/EEA, especially if developments do not go as planned. This means that not all cuts will necessarily be made in Norway
• Simplified target structure: The government drops the previous 55% domestic “transformation target” and presents one single and clear Paris target for 2035. This simplifies the climate goal structure and improves policy legitimacy.
• Timelines for phasing out fossil fuels - the transport sector in the driving seat: As a part of its efforts to achieve a low-emission society by 2050, the government is introducing timelines for phasing out the use of fossil fuels in various sectors. Road traffic will be close to zero emissions in the early 2040s and it is expected that sales of fossil-fuelled cars will be phased out well before this. Heavy vehicles will be emission-free or use biogas by 2030, and Norway will introduce ETS2 (upstream quota obligation where fuel operators are subject to quota obligations) - the EU's new quota system for road transport from 2027. This will entail a significant transition for heavy transport in Norway. For domestic ferry traffic, the target is zero emissions by 2035. These timelines will be revised annually and provide clear signals to the automotive industry, the transport industry and public purchasers about the pace of transition.
• Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is one of the most important climate measures for reducing emissions from industry and waste incineration in Norwegian climate policy. - According to the Norwegian Environment Agency, CCS is the measure that can provide the greatest emission cuts in Norway up to 2035. Norway has almost 30 years of experience with safe storage of CO₂ under the seabed and wants to play a leading role in developing a European market for CCS.
• Competitiveness and fair transition: The report emphasizes that climate action must go hand in hand with economic security, social fairness, and the creation of new green jobs.
• Climate security and preparedness: Climate policy is being integrated into Norway's national security strategy, as part of civil preparedness and to reduce dependence on energy imports.
• Circular economy and sustainable consumption in focus: The report raises ambitions for reuse, repair, sharing and reduced consumption, particularly through measures in the construction, furniture and electronics sectors. The government wants to stimulate more sustainable production and consumption, and emphasises the need for a society with lower resource consumption and higher value creation
• Municipalities as climate drivers: The government is giving municipalities a more central role in the implementation of climate measures, including better tools and support schemes.

In summary, the climate white paper will continue the main instruments such as the CO₂ tax, participation in the EU ETS, and support for technology development via Enova and other schemes will continue to be key elements of the policy package. The White Paper also emphasises the connection between climate, nature and a sustainable food system as part of the overall transition to a low-emission society.

The report is available in full here.

Would you like to know more? Contact Katrine Lillerud, Line Voldstad or Kjetil Johansen.