ESA encourages Norway and Iceland to strengthen emission-reduction efforts

The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) has today published its fourth annual report on progress made by Iceland and Norway towards reaching their 2030 emission-reduction targets under the EEA Agreement.

The fourth edition of the Climate Progress Report is an assessment on the progress made by Iceland and Norway in meeting their targets under the Effort Sharing Regulation and the LULUCF Regulation. The assessment is based on data provided by the States themselves and quality checked by the European Environment Agency.

The report's preliminary assessment shows that Iceland is likely to remain just within its current targets, while Norway faces a significant gap towards its current targets. Based on the findings, the report strongly encourages Norway to consider additional measures to reduce emissions. Iceland is also encouraged to consider additional measures, given its small margin to stay within the current targets.

Framework for ESA's assessment

The Effort Sharing Regulation sets binding targets for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. It applies to sectors such as agriculture, construction, transport, waste, and industry not covered by the European Emissions Trading System.

The Regulation on Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) requires the States to ensure that emissions from land use and forestry are balanced by at least an equivalent removal of CO2 from the atmosphere. Based on the information currently available, Iceland and Norway are encouraged to consider increasing their ambitions in the LULUCF sector.

It should be noted that Iceland and Norway, like the European Union, have updated their targets under the Paris Agreement pledging to cut emissions by 55% or more, compared to 1990 levels. However, these new commitments have not yet been reflected in the EEA Agreement. As ESA is mandated to assess progress made by Iceland and Norway towards the targets currently in force under EEA law, the report assesses Iceland and Norway towards targets reflecting the previous obligations under the Paris Agreement of a reduction of at least 40% by 2030 compared to 1990, rather than a reduction of at least 55%.

Read ESA's report here.

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