Sharp rise in greenhouse gas emissions
The Globe is getting warmer and Norway contributes with increasing its emissions.
Norwegian greenhouse gas emissions were 2.5 million tonnes higher in 2010 than in 2009. This is 4.8 percent more than in 2009, according to the latest figures from Statistics Norway.
The total Norwegian emission amounted to 53.7 million tonnes CO2 equivalents in 2010.
Last winter was the warmest ever recorded in living memory in Arctic Oceans and the maximum extent of Arctic sea ice before melting season started was the lowest ever measured by satellites.
The reason for the large increase in Norwegian emission of greenhouse gasses is the rapid growing economy following the financial crisis. Higher industrial production and more transport have contributed most to the increase according to the figures published.
Norway’s oil- and gas production with onshore processing plants is also major contributor to greenhouse gasses. In Northern Norway, the LNG plant at Melkøya outside Hammerfest is the single largest CO2 source.
While total greenhouse gas emissions in Norway have increased by eight percent from 1990, emissions of CO2 have grown by more than 30 percent the same period.
In 2008, the majority in the Norwegian parliament entered into an agreement on national targets for emission reductions. The aim is that domestic emissions shall not surpass 45-47 million tonnes CO2 equivalents in 2020. In 2010, the emissions were 6.7-8.7 million tonnes above this national target.
