Zero: Still possible with a 53 percent climate cut by 2030

It is out of reach to cut emissions by 55 per cent compared to 1990, as the Storting has decided, according to Zero reports.

But cuts of 53 per cent are still possible, was the conclusion of the report, which was presented to climate minister Andreas Bjelland Eriksen (Ap) on Wednesday.

– This means that pace and effort must increase, and all opportunities are used. Every ton counts now, says Zero manager Sigrun Gjerløw Aasland.

– More expensive the longer we postpone cuts

They have drawn up a list of measures that will cost a total of NOK 78 billion.

– In the same period, the state will receive NOK 112 billion just from stepping up the CO2 tax. We show in the report that climate policy is not that expensive, but it becomes more expensive the longer we delay, says Aasland.

Last year’s report concluded that it was unlikely, but possible, to cut Norway’s emissions by 55 percent by 2030. In one year, the job has become more difficult, asserts Zero. Emissions have only been marginally reduced, and almost no new power has been built, the report states.

But the environmental foundation emphasizes that it is possible to make major climate cuts in the next six years.

– Then the political will must be as great as the technological possibilities, says Aasland.

Industry, heavy transport and shipping

The most important thing going forward is to cut large point emissions in industry, strengthen efforts in heavy transport and on construction sites and increase efforts to cut emissions in shipping, she emphasizes.

The proposals in the report will require a total of 38 TWh of new energy by 2030. It is important that the energy squeeze does not become a climate brake, points out Zero.

They believe that Norway can expand and release between 36 and 57 TWh of energy through efficiency, production and expanding the grid.

– To relieve the need for power, we propose a sevenfold increase in biogas production in Norway. Biogas is essential for cutting emissions in industry and transport and is also a good preparation for green and safe transport in rural areas, says Aasland.

– Renewable energy in front of the motorway and cabins

At the same time, Zero is concerned that climate and nature are not pitted against each other.

During the past year, there has been a lot of attention around land and nature, but Aasland says we must solve the climate crisis and the nature crisis at the same time.

– Then we also have to prioritize land much more strictly. Renewable energy is more important than motorways and cottage fields. Green industry must be co-located to a greater extent in order to use both land and energy more efficiently, says Aasland.